C - Reactive Protein (CRP)
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Acute-phase reactant; rises rapidly with infection or inflammation, including sepsis or arthritis.
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🧪 C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
Full Name | C-Reactive Protein |
Sample Type | Blood (serum or plasma) |
Fasting Required | ❌ Not required |
Test Type | Inflammatory Marker (non-specific) |
Primary Organs Involved | Liver (CRP is produced here), but indicates inflammation system-wide |
Purpose | Detect inflammation, infection, or autoimmune activity |
🔬 What is CRP?
CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to acute inflammation or tissue injury. It is part of the body's immune response and rises rapidly in the blood following infection or trauma.
📈 Normal & Clinical Ranges
CRP Level (mg/L) | Interpretation |
|---|---|
<1 mg/L | Low risk / Normal |
1–3 mg/L | Mild inflammation / Cardiovascular risk |
>3–10 mg/L | Moderate inflammation / early infection or chronic illness |
>10 mg/L | Active infection or significant inflammation |
>100 mg/L | Severe bacterial infection or autoimmune flare |
Note: Values can vary slightly by lab.
🚨 Why is CRP Done?
Clinical Use | Explanation |
|---|---|
🔍 Detect acute infections | Bacterial infections often cause a large spike in CRP |
🦠 Monitor chronic inflammation | In diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or IBD |
❤️ Assess cardiovascular risk | Low-level CRP may be used in cardiac risk stratification |
💉 Check treatment response | Falling CRP = effective treatment |
👩⚕️ Post-surgery or trauma monitoring | Helps detect infection or complications |
🔁 Tests Commonly Done Alongside CRP
Test | Why? |
|---|---|
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) | Another inflammatory marker; slower to rise/fall |
CBC (Complete Blood Count) | To check white blood cell count in infection/inflammation |
Procalcitonin | Helps differentiate bacterial vs viral infections |
ANA, RF, Anti-CCP | If autoimmune disease is suspected |
hs-CRP (high sensitivity CRP) | Used specifically for heart disease risk prediction |
Liver Function Tests (LFTs) | To monitor CRP production from liver |
🧪 CRP vs hs-CRP (High Sensitivity CRP)
Test | Use | Sensitivity |
|---|---|---|
CRP | Detects moderate to severe inflammation | ~1–500 mg/L |
hs-CRP | Detects low-grade inflammation, especially for heart disease risk | 0.3–10 mg/L |
🩺 Conditions Associated with Elevated CRP
Category | Examples |
|---|---|
Infections | Pneumonia, sepsis, cellulitis |
Autoimmune diseases | Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease |
Chronic illnesses | Obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease |
Cancers | Lymphoma, colorectal, other solid tumors |
Tissue injury | Post-operative, trauma, myocardial infarction |
📋 Summary Table
Test | CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test |
|---|---|
Sample | Blood (serum) |
Fasting Required | No |
Purpose | Detect & monitor inflammation or infection |
Normal Range | <1 mg/L |
High CRP (>10 mg/L) | Suggests significant inflammation, infection, or autoimmunity |
Often Combined With | CBC, ESR, Procalcitonin, hs-CRP, autoimmune panels |
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