C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test - Hindustan Laboratory

About C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is a key biomarker used to detect and monitor acute and chronic inflammatory conditions, infections, and tissue injuries. CRP levels rise rapidly within hours of inflammation and decrease when the condition resolves, making it a valuable diagnostic tool.

Elevated CRP levels may indicate conditions such as bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), cardiovascular diseases, or tissue damage (e.g., post-surgery or trauma). A specialized version, the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test, is used to assess cardiovascular risk in otherwise healthy individuals.

At Hindustan Laboratory, we offer both standard CRP and hs-CRP tests to support accurate diagnosis and management of inflammatory conditions.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test at Hindustan Laboratory

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test measures the concentration of CRP in the blood to detect inflammation or monitor ongoing conditions. It is a simple blood test performed with advanced equipment for precise results. The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is available for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Why Get Tested?

You may need a CRP Test if you:

Have symptoms of infection (e.g., fever, chills, fatigue).
Are being monitored for chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.
Have a history of cardiovascular disease or risk factors (e.g., high cholesterol, hypertension) for hs-CRP testing.
Recently underwent surgery or experienced trauma, to assess inflammation.
Need to evaluate the effectiveness of treatment for infections or inflammatory diseases.

The test helps diagnose the cause of inflammation, monitor disease activity, or assess heart disease risk.

Test Procedure

The CRP Test involves:

Sample Collection: A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm using a needle (venipuncture). The procedure takes 1–2 minutes.
Preparation: No fasting is required for the standard CRP test. For hs-CRP, avoid heavy meals or strenuous exercise beforehand, as these can temporarily elevate CRP levels. Inform your doctor about medications (e.g., statins, NSAIDs), as they may affect results.
Testing Method: The blood sample is analyzed using an automated analyzer that measures CRP concentration in milligrams per liter (mg/L). The hs-CRP test uses a more sensitive method to detect lower CRP levels for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Risks are minimal, with possible mild pain, bruising, or infection at the puncture site. Results are typically available within a few hours.

Test Results

CRP levels are interpreted as follows:

Standard CRP Test:
- Normal: < 10 mg/L (usually < 3 mg/L in healthy individuals).
- Elevated: 10–100 mg/L may indicate mild to moderate inflammation or infection; >100 mg/L suggests severe infection or inflammatory conditions.
High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) Test:
- Low Risk: < 1 mg/L (low cardiovascular risk).
- Moderate Risk: 1–3 mg/L (moderate cardiovascular risk).
- High Risk: > 3 mg/L (higher cardiovascular risk).

Elevated levels may require further testing (e.g., ESR, blood cultures) to identify the cause. Normal results do not rule out mild inflammation, as CRP sensitivity varies. Consult your doctor to interpret results in the context of symptoms and medical history.

Why Choose Hindustan Laboratory?

We offer: