Skip to content

Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) with High-Sensitivity Measurement

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation, often linked to heart disease or other conditions causing inflammation.

Quick summary

["Helps assess hidden inflammation that may increase your risk for heart problems."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
14277-8
Short code
ANCA-TITR
Synonyms
c-ANCA Titr Ser IF
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Serum separator tube (SST, tiger-top) or red-top clot tube; avoid hemolysis and lipemia
Units
N/A
Ref low
0
Ref high
1
Critical range
0.5 N/A – —
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Indirect Immunofluorescence (IIF) using human neutrophils (ethanol- and/or formalin-fixed substrate) for detection of classic cytoplasmic staining pattern (c-ANCA)
CPT
86256
SNOMED
445652008
Specimen volume
1-2 mL of serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
Stability
Stable for 8 hours at room temperature (15-25°C); 2-3 days at 2-8°C; up to 30 days frozen at -20°C or colder. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters for Your Health

High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) is a blood test that detects very small amounts of C-reactive protein, an indicator of inflammation. While CRP is typically measured in larger amounts for general health, hsCRP is more precise for identifying low-level inflammation that may not be obvious otherwise.

What Inflammation Means for Your Body

Inflammation is your body’s natural response to injury or infection. However, chronic low-level inflammation can contribute to serious health issues, including cardiovascular disease. hsCRP helps doctors determine if your body is experiencing persistent inflammation that might need attention.

How the Test Works

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is then analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect CRP levels. This test is often used alongside other cardiovascular risk assessments.

Common Uses and When You Might Need It

Doctors may order hsCRP testing to evaluate your risk for heart disease, especially if you have risk factors like high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems. It can also be used to monitor conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.

Reference range

Negative: Titer <1:20 (or <1:10, depending on laboratory). Positive results are reported as the highest dilution showing detectable fluorescence. Classic c-ANCA pattern (proteinase 3 / PR3-ANCA) at titers ≥1:20 are clinically significant.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Recent immunosuppressive therapy may affect antibody titers and should be documented on the requisition.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

hsCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

Frequently asked questions

What does a high hsCRP level mean for my health?
A high hsCRP level suggests increased inflammation in your body, which may raise your risk for heart disease or other inflammatory conditions. Your doctor will consider your overall health and other test results to interpret the meaning of your results.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your health status and risk factors. Your doctor may recommend this test as part of routine cardiovascular screening, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease or inflammation-related conditions.
Can lifestyle changes affect hsCRP levels?
Yes, lifestyle changes such as improving diet, increasing physical activity, managing stress, and quitting smoking can help lower inflammation and potentially reduce hsCRP levels. Working with your healthcare provider to adopt these changes may improve your overall health.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy