C-reactive protein, serum/plasma concentration (high-sensitivity)
This test measures a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is produced by your liver in response to inflammation, helping your body identify and fight infections or injuries.
["CRP helps track inflammation, aiding early detection of conditions like infections or autoimmune diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 23686-9
- Short code
- CAVAG
- Synonyms
- CAdV Ag Tiss Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile screw-cap container or cryovial for tissue specimens; plain red-top tube or serum separator tube if serum is submitted
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Direct Immunofluorescence (DFA) using fluorescein-labeled antibodies against canine adenovirus antigens in tissue sections
- CPT
- 87299
- SNOMED
- 405640008
- Specimen volume
- 0.5-1.0 g of tissue or 1-2 mL of serum
- Stability
- Fresh tissue: 24 hours refrigerated at 2-8°C; Frozen tissue: up to 30 days at -70°C or below. Serum: 7 days refrigerated at 2-8°C or 30 days frozen at -20°C or below.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor chronic conditions like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory disorders. It can also help assess risk for conditions like heart attacks or stroke, especially in people with risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes.
What to Expect
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure CRP levels. Results are typically ready within a few days.
What the Results Mean
Higher CRP levels may indicate inflammation, infections, or certain diseases. Lower levels suggest minimal inflammation. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
Common Conditions Monitored
Elevated CRP is often seen in conditions like infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections), autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis), or after surgeries or injuries.
Reference range
Negative: No canine adenovirus antigen detected. Positive: Canine adenovirus antigen detected, consistent with active infection.N/A
No fasting required. Tissue samples should be collected aseptically, preferably from affected organs (liver, kidney, tonsil). Fresh or frozen tissue is preferred; formalin-fixed tissue may reduce antigenicity.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is a marker for systemic inflammation. It’s used to evaluate risk for cardiovascular events, guide treatment decisions for inflammatory diseases, and monitor response to therapy in chronic conditions. While not a definitive test for diagnosis, it can help identify patients who may need closer monitoring or preventive care.
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
What does a normal range mean for me?
Can lifestyle changes 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