C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood, a marker often used to check for inflammation or infection.
["CRP helps track inflammation, which can signal infections, autoimmune conditions, or other health issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 94419-9
- Short code
- CAURIS
- Synonyms
- C auris Islt Ql MS.MALDI-TOF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Pure culture isolate on appropriate mycological media (e.g., Sabouraud Dextrose Agar, CHROMagar Candida); subcultured isolate transported on agar slant or plate
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ms-maldi-tof
- CPT
- 87106
- SNOMED
- 115638004
- Specimen volume
- A single isolated colony or sufficient growth from a pure culture on solid media is required for MALDI-TOF MS analysis
- Stability
- Isolate plates should be processed within 24-48 hours of visible growth; refrigerated (2-8°C) if delayed; viable isolates stored at -80°C in glycerol stock for long-term preservation
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor conditions like infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections), inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or to assess response to treatment. It can also help detect early signs of certain cancers or heart disease.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is usually needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Higher CRP levels often indicate inflammation or infection, while lower levels suggest reduced inflammation. Results are interpreted by your provider based on your medical history and symptoms.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is commonly used to evaluate conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus), heart disease, or to check for signs of inflammation after surgery or injury.
Reference range
Not detected (reportable as Detected or Not Detected for Candida auris in isolate)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Specimen is collected from suspected infection site (e.g., blood, wound, axilla, groin, urine, respiratory) and cultured to obtain an isolate prior to MALDI-TOF MS identification.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: CRP is a non-specific marker that rises in response to tissue damage, infections, or immune system activation. While it doesn’t pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, it helps guide treatment decisions and monitor disease activity.
Short name
CRP (Nephelometry)
Frequently asked questions
How often will I need this test?
Can diet or exercise affect CRP levels?
What if my CRP levels are high?
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