C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry (plasma)
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps doctors assess inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or after surgery."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 85503-1
- Short code
- OXA48
- Synonyms
- blaOXA-48 Islt/Spm Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof primary container; red-top serum tube or sterile transport container for serum specimen
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- molgen
- CPT
- 87798
- SNOMED
- 446240005
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of serum; minimum 0.5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-70°C or below): 30 days for nucleic acid preservation. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- 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 this test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease, or evaluate responses to treatments. It can also help identify infections or other inflammatory processes in your body.
What Does a High or Low CRP Level Mean?
Elevated CRP levels often indicate inflammation or infection, but they can also be influenced by other factors like stress, certain medications, or obesity. Low levels may suggest reduced inflammation, but they don’t always mean you’re healthy.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. Plasma is separated from blood cells and sent to the lab for testing. This test is typically done on fresh plasma to ensure accurate results.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may eat and drink normally, but inform your doctor if you’re taking blood-thinning medications or have any bleeding disorders.
Reference range
Negative for blaOXA-48 gene (Not Detected). A positive result indicates the presence of the carbapenemase-producing blaOXA-48 resistance gene.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Specimen should be collected prior to administration of antimicrobial therapy when possible, as antibiotic treatment may affect bacterial load and detection sensitivity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CRP Plasma
Frequently asked questions
How Long Does It Take to Get Results?
Can I Eat or Drink Before This Test?
Does This Test Require Special Dietary Restrictions?
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