What Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Used For? (2024)

A C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test used to detect general inflammation. Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection, disease, or injury, so a CRP test can provide the first clue as to whether some sort of inflammatory condition is occurring.

A CRP test cannot tell what the source of the inflammation is, but, when combined with other tests such as a complete blood count (CBC), it can help narrow the possible causes.

This article walks you through the purpose and uses of the CRP test, including how it is performed and what the results mean.

What Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Used For? (1)

What Is C-Reactive Protein?

C-reactive protein is a protein produced by the liver that is normally found in the bloodstream at low levels. When there is any inflammatory condition in the body, the liver will release more.

The role of CRP is to activate certain parts of the immune system, specifically white blood cells called macrophages that clear foreign attackers (like bacteria) and dead or dying cells from the body.

CRP levels rise and fall in tandem with the level of inflammation in the body, making them an ideal marker of any number of inflammatory conditions.

Why Is the CRP Test Done?

The CRP test is a general marker for inflammation. It is used to determine if your symptoms are related to an inflammatory or non-inflammatory condition. The results, along with other findings, can help narrow the possible causes.

Because CRP levels are dynamic, rising and falling in tandem with inflammation, they can help determine whether the condition is acute (sudden, severe, and typically short-lasting) or chronic (persistent and often progressive).

Based on how high the CRP levels are, the lab can narrow the likely suspects. By way of example, CRP levels with acute bacterial infections will invariably be higher than with chronic autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.

Although there are limitations to what the CRP test can reveal, it is a relatively reliable way to measure inflammation. The higher the CRP levels, the greater amount of inflammation in the body.

The CRP test can help identify a wide array of medical conditions, including:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Asthma
  • Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
  • Bacterial infections
  • Bronchitis
  • Cancer
  • Celiac disease
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Connective tissue disease
  • Diabetes
  • Heart attack
  • Heart disease, including atherosclerosis or myocarditis
  • Hypertension (high blood pressure)
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Major trauma
  • Pancreatitis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease (PID)
  • Pneumonia
  • Systemic (whole-body) fungal infections
  • Vascular diseases like aortic aneurysms and vasculitis
  • Viral infections

A CRP test is sometimes used to predict the progression of COVID-19. Studies have found that people with COVID-19 who have higher CRP levels have an increased chance of developing severe disease.

CRP and Heart Disease

The CRP test is increasingly used to determine a person's risk of heart attack or stroke and whether medications are needed to help lower the risk.

With heart disease, CRP levels tend to be modestly elevated and will gradually increase as the disease progresses. A test called a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test can be used in people with risk factors for heart disease to decide whether treatment is needed.

In some cases, a CRP test can be the deciding fact even if levels are only mildly elevated.

Among the other risk factors that inform the decision to treat are:

  • A family history of heart disease
  • Diabetes
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or having obesity
  • Heavy alcohol use
  • Physical inactivity
  • A diet high in saturated fats and refined carbohydrates

Related Tests

The CRP test is often performed with another blood test called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Both are non-specific markers for inflammation but, together, can offer important clues as to what is going on in the body.

The ESR checks for inflammation by seeing how quickly red blood cells fall to the bottom of a test tube over the course of one hour. Because inflammatory chemicals produced by the body cause red blood cells to clump together, the rate at which they fall will be faster.

As such, an ESR is an indirect measure of inflammation while a CRP is a direct measure of inflammation.

The main difference between the two tests is that changes occur more quickly with CRP. For instance, CRP may drop quickly once an infection has cleared, while ESR will remain elevated. In such cases, the ESR can reveal that you had an illness even if the CRP shows nothing.

What Is a High C-Reactive Protein Level?

The CRP test result is typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L).

Based on your CRP levels, a doctor can begin to narrow down the possible causes of an illness. Some of the likely causes can be broken down by the following CRP results:

CRP LevelClassificationPossible Meaning
Under 3 mg/LNormalNormal
3 to 10 mg/LNormal to moderate elevationObese
Pregnancy
Smoking
Diabetes
Gum disease
Common cold
10 to 100 mg/LWhole-body inflammationRheumatoid arthritis
Lupus
Pancreatitis
Acute bronchitis
Cancer
Over 100 mg/LMarked whole-body inflammationAcute bacterial infection
Viral infection
Systemic vasculitis
Major trauma
Over 500 mg/LSevere whole-body inflammationSevere bacterial infection
Sepsis

hs-CRP Test

The results of the hs-CRP test are classified as follows to offer a sense of one's risk of a heart attack or stroke:

  • Low risk: Lower than 1.0 mg/L
  • Average risk: 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L
  • High risk: Above 3.0 mg/L

Risks of the Tests

There are very few risks involved with blood tests. You may experience bruising, swelling, or a hematoma (a pooling of blood under the skin) after the blood draw.

Some people feel dizzy, lightheaded, or even faint. And there is a very small risk of infection from the needle puncture.

How to Prepare for the Test

Before getting a CRP test, let your healthcare provider know about any medications you take since some can affect CRP levels.

Location and Timing

The CRP test can be performed in your doctor's office, at a local hospital or clinic, or at a dedicated lab facility.

A blood draw usually takes less than five minutes. You will be able to leave as soon as the test is complete as long as you're not feeling faint or sick.

What to Wear

It is helpful to wear a short-sleeved shirt for the blood draw. Avoid tight sleeves that are difficult to roll or push up.

Food and Drink

A CRP test doesn't require fasting beforehand. However, other blood tests may be performed at the same time that do, such as a fasting cholesterol test. Speak with your healthcare provider or the lab to double-check.

Cost and Health Insurance

A CRP test is relatively inexpensive—around $12 to $16, on average. If you have health insurance, your plan should cover the cost at least in part.

You can find out what your out-of-pocket costs are by calling the number on the back of your insurance card.

What to Bring

Bring a form of ID (such as your driver's license) as well as your insurance card and an approved form of payment, if needed. Check with the lab in advance to find out what kinds of payment they accept.

What to Expect During the Test

The CRP test may be performed by a lab technician, a nurse, or a phlebotomist, a professional who is specially trained to draw blood.

Pre-Test

You may have to fill out some routine paperwork before your test. The receptionist will let you know once you check-in.

Throughout the Test

The CRP test takes just a few minutes. Once you're called into the lab, you will sit in a chair. The technician will ask you which arm you want to use.

A vein, typically one near the crook of your elbow, is chosen. Then a blood draw is performed as follows:

  1. An elastic band is tied around your upper arm to help the vein swell.
  2. The skin is cleaned with an alcohol swab.
  3. A small needle is inserted into the vein. You may feel a slight pinch or poke. If the pain is considerable, let the technician know.
  4. Blood is drawn into a vacuum tube via a thin tube connected to the needle.
  5. After enough blood is taken, the elastic band is taken off and the needle is removed.
  6. Pressure is placed on the puncture site with a cotton ball, after which an adhesive bandage is applied.

7 Tips to Make Getting Blood Drawn Painless

Post-Test

Once you feel well enough to do so, you can leave. If you are feeling lightheaded or faint. let the technician or a staff member know.

After a CRP Test

When you've finished having your blood drawn, you can resume normal activities. Although there may be swelling, bruising, or pain at the injection site, the side effects tend to be mild and go away within a few days. If they don't or get worse, call your healthcare provider.

The results of a CRP or hs-CRP test are typically returned within a day or two, depending on the lab.

Follow-Up

The follow-up of a CRP test can vary based on your diagnosis. Your healthcare provider will consider your CRP results along with your symptoms and medical history, a physical exam, and other lab tests and procedures. The treatment or next steps will depend on that diagnosis.

With respect to the hs-CRP test, a repeat test may be ordered within two weeks since the results can fluctuate. If the results are borderline, the healthcare provider may take a watch-and-wait approach, re-testing after conservative measures like diet and exercise are tried.

If Your hs-CRP Is High

If your hs-CRP results are high, your healthcare may recommend drugs to help reduce your blood pressure or cholesterol, such as calcium channel blockers and statins.

American Heart Association Recommendations

The American Heart Association advises that people with CRP levels equal to or greater than 2 milligrams per liter (mg/L) may need more intense measures to prevent heart disease even if they are at borderline risk.

Based on a review of your lab tests and risk factors, other interventions may be recommended, including:

  • Quitting cigarettes
  • Exercising regularly, especially aerobic activities like biking or swimming
  • Losing weight if overweight
  • Easting a heart-healthy diet
  • Managing your diabetes
  • Reducing your alcohol intake

Summary

A CRP test is a type of blood test used to measure general inflammation in the body. It does so by detecting a substance called C-reactive protein, which is produced by the liver in response to inflammation.

The CRP test only requires a simple blood draw. The test cannot tell you why or where inflammation is occurring, but it can point to possible causes. There are many, including infection, pancreatitis, an autoimmune disorder, or cancer.

The high-sensitivity CRP is a variation of this test used to predict the risk of heart attack or stroke.

5 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

  1. MedlinePlus. C-reactive protein.

  2. Muthanna FM, Ibrahim HK, Al-Awkally NA, Yousuf A, Mounich K. C-reactive protein in patients with COVID-19: a scoping review. Int J Health Sci. 2022;6:1610-20. doi:10.53730/ijhs.v6nS5.8920

  3. Cozlea DL, Farcas DM, Nagy A, et al. The impact of C reactive protein on global cardiovascular risk on patients with coronary artery disease.Curr Health Sci J. 2013;39(4):225-231.

  4. MedlinePlus. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

  5. Arnett DK, Blumenthal RS, Albert MA, et al. 2019 ACC/AHA guideline on the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease: executive summary: a report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines. Circulation.2019 Sep 10;140(11):e563-95. doi:10.1161/CIR.0000000000000677

What Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Used For? (2)

By Carol Eustice
Carol Eustice is a writer covering arthritis and chronic illness, who herself has been diagnosed with both rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis.

See Our Editorial Process

Meet Our Medical Expert Board

Was this page helpful?

Thanks for your feedback!

What is your feedback?

What Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Used For? (2024)

FAQs

What Is a C-Reactive Protein Test Used For? ›

Healthcare providers typically order a C-reactive protein (CRP) test to help diagnose

diagnose
Medical diagnosis (abbreviated Dx, Dx, or Ds) is the process of determining which disease or condition explains a person's symptoms and signs. It is most often referred to as a diagnosis with the medical context being implicit.
https://en.wikipedia.org › wiki › Medical_diagnosis
or rule out certain conditions, including: Severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis. Fungal infections. Osteomyelitis (infection of your bone).

What is the purpose of C-reactive protein test? ›

The C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test checks for inflammation in your body. A CRP blood test will show if there is inflammation in your body. A CRP blood test also helps to see how well you are responding to treatment. No special preparation is needed for a CRP blood test.

What level of CRP is concerning? ›

Results equal to or greater than 8 mg/L or 10 mg/L are considered high. Range values vary depending on the lab doing the test. A high test result is a sign of inflammation. It may be due to serious infection, injury or chronic disease.

What is the most common cause of high CRP? ›

Lifestyle: People who smoke, have obesity, or do little exercise may have higher-than-normal CRP levels. Minor injuries or infection: These conditions may temporarily raise CRP levels and conceal other potential conditions, such as diabetes or IBD.

Why would a doctor order a CRP test? ›

What is it used for? A CRP test may be used to help find or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions, including: Infections from bacteria or viruses. Inflammatory bowel disease, disorders of the intestines that include Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Is C-reactive protein good or bad? ›

You are at low risk of developing cardiovascular disease if your hs-CRP level is lower than 1.0 mg/L. You are at average risk of developing cardiovascular disease if your levels are between 1.0 mg/L and 3.0 mg/L. You are at high risk for cardiovascular disease if your hs-CRP level is higher than 3.0 mg/L.

What is a critical result for CRP? ›

CRP levels can vary widely depending on the underlying condition causing inflammation. Generally, a CRP level of less than 10 mg/L is considered normal. CRP levels between 10 and 100 mg/L indicate mild to moderate inflammation, while levels above 100 mg/L indicate severe inflammation.

What medications affect C-reactive protein? ›

Certain medicines can cause your CRP levels to be lower than normal. These include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), aspirin, and steroids.

What autoimmune diseases cause high CRP levels? ›

Although research is yet to define the mechanism that leads to the development of such diseases, it's clear that these conditions trigger chronic inflammation if not medically intervened. Next Step: Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus result in elevated C-reactive protein.

What cancers cause high CRP? ›

Elevated CRP levels have been found to be associated with several cancers, including breast, lung, gastric, and colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and renal carcinoma (Roxburgh and McMillan, 2010; Wu et al., 2011).

What infections are associated with high CRP? ›

Severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis. Fungal infections. Osteomyelitis (infection of your bone). Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).

How do you treat C-reactive protein? ›

If you're at high risk of cardiovascular disease and your test results show high CRP, your doctor may suggest a statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication. Vitamin C has also been explored as a way to lower CRP levels for people who have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

What is a normal C-reactive level? ›

Interpretation of CRP levels:

Less than 0.3 mg/dL: Normal (level seen in most healthy adults). 0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL: Normal or minor elevation (can be seen in obesity, pregnancy, depression, diabetes, common cold, gingivitis, periodontitis, sedentary lifestyle, cigarette smoking, and genetic polymorphisms).

What is the treatment for high CRP? ›

If you're at high risk of cardiovascular disease and your test results show high CRP, your doctor may suggest a statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication. Vitamin C has also been explored as a way to lower CRP levels for people who have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

What are the five inflammatory markers? ›

The most frequently used inflammatory markers include acute-phase proteins, essentially CRP, serum amyloid A, fibrinogen and procalcitonin, and cytokines, predominantly TNFα, interleukins 1β, 6, 8, 10 and 12 and their receptors and IFNγ.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Recommended Articles
Article information

Author: Arielle Torp

Last Updated:

Views: 5983

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 88% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Arielle Torp

Birthday: 1997-09-20

Address: 87313 Erdman Vista, North Dustinborough, WA 37563

Phone: +97216742823598

Job: Central Technology Officer

Hobby: Taekwondo, Macrame, Foreign language learning, Kite flying, Cooking, Skiing, Computer programming

Introduction: My name is Arielle Torp, I am a comfortable, kind, zealous, lovely, jolly, colorful, adventurous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.