C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration in plasma
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps identify inflammation, which can signal infections, injuries, or other health issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88248-0
- Short code
- OXA
- Synonyms
- blaOXA Bld Pos Ql Probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Positive blood culture bottle (aerobic or anaerobic) submitted in original manufacturer container; do not transfer to alternate tubes
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- probe
- CPT
- 87150
- SNOMED
- 122450008
- Specimen volume
- 3-10 mL of blood per culture bottle set (pediatric: 1-3 mL); testing performed directly from positive flagged bottle
- Stability
- Process as soon as blood culture flags positive (ideally within 8 hours of positivity); stable at room temperature up to 24 hours post-positivity for molecular testing
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 1–4 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order CRP testing to check for signs of inflammation, monitor conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or infections, or evaluate responses to treatments. It can also help assess risk for certain conditions before they become severe.
What to Expect During the Test
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a small pinch when the needle is inserted, but the process is quick. No special preparation is needed unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
Common Conditions Monitored
High CRP levels may indicate infections (like pneumonia or sepsis), autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis), heart problems, or other inflammatory conditions. Low levels might suggest no active inflammation, but this can vary based on individual health.
What the Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. Elevated CRP levels often prompt further investigation, while normal levels do not rule out inflammation entirely.
Reference range
Detected / Not detected (qualitative); Negative (no blaOXA carbapenemase gene detected) is the expected reference resultN/A
No special patient preparation required; specimen is collected from positive blood culture bottles flagged by continuous-monitoring blood culture systems
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CRP (Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect CRP levels?
Is CRP testing painful or uncomfortable?
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