C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry (plasma)
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation or infection in your body.
["CRP helps track inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or post-surgery healing."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101126-1
- Short code
- OXA24-40
- Synonyms
- blaOXA-24+blaOXA-40 Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile transport container or nucleic acid preservation tube (e.g., Copan ESwab, sterile screw-cap container, or molecular transport medium)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–99 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87798 (unlisted infectious agent detection by nucleic acid) or 87150 (PCR amplification with probe detection)
- SNOMED
- 434831000124103
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum or appropriate clinical specimen (blood, respiratory, urine, or tissue per clinical indication)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-70°C or below): 30 days. Transport to laboratory promptly.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order a CRP test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease, or evaluate how your body is responding to an illness or treatment. It can also help determine if an infection is present or worsening.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which is then sent to the lab for analysis. If you’re on blood-thinning medication, let your provider know before the test.
What to Expect During the Test
The blood draw usually takes a few minutes. You might feel a slight pinch, but most people tolerate it well. If you’re anxious about needles, ask your provider about numbing cream or other options.
Possible Results and Next Steps
Higher-than-normal CRP levels may indicate inflammation, infection, or other health issues. Lower levels might suggest less inflammation. Your provider will discuss the results with you and decide if further testing or treatment is needed.
Reference range
Negative (blaOXA-24 and blaOXA-40 carbapenem resistance genes not detected)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Collect specimen prior to administration of antibiotics when clinically feasible to maximize detection sensitivity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: CRP plays a key role in identifying and managing inflammatory conditions. It’s often used as a marker to assess risk for conditions like cardiovascular disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or sepsis. Elevated levels can prompt additional investigations or adjustments to treatment plans.
Short name
CRP (Nephelometry)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high CRP level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect CRP levels?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy