C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) in plasma
This test measures a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, helping assess low-grade inflammation or risk of cardiovascular disease.
["Helps track subtle inflammation or heart disease risk over time."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 106410-4
- Short code
- CANDDNA
- Synonyms
- Cand spp. 1 Ct Bld + Qn NAA+prb
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Positive blood culture bottle (aerobic and/or anaerobic) flagged positive by continuous-monitoring blood culture system
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87481
- SNOMED
- 122450004
- Specimen volume
- 1-3 mL aliquot from positive blood culture bottle
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at room temperature (20-25°C); stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; stable for longer periods at -70°C
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 2–8 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, or other inflammatory disorders. It can also help evaluate risk for future health issues, such as heart attacks or strokes, especially in people with risk factors like high blood pressure or diabetes.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
Elevated levels may indicate inflammation or increased risk of heart disease, while very low levels might suggest a lack of inflammation or certain immune system conditions. Results are interpreted in the context of your overall health and medical history.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is processed to separate plasma, which is then analyzed for the protein using a sensitive immunoassay method.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Increased levels can be caused by infections, injuries, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory processes. Decreased levels are less common but may occur in rare genetic conditions or with certain medications.
Reference range
Not detected (Ct value reported only when positive); lower Ct values indicate higher organism burdenN/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antifungal therapy whenever possible to maximize diagnostic yield.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance: Elevated hs-CRP is a marker for systemic inflammation and an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. It is often used alongside other tests to guide preventive care or treatment decisions for chronic conditions.
Short name
hs-CRP (plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal hs-CRP level feel like?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
How long does it take to get results?
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