C-reactive protein, serum/plasma concentration (high-sensitivity)
This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation or infection.
["hsCRP helps track inflammation, often used alongside other tests to assess risk for conditions like heart disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87948-6
- Short code
- CBOTSTL
- Synonyms
- C bot Stl Ql Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- stool
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof, wide-mouth container; anaerobic transport container preferred; sterile screw-capped cup acceptable
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- organism-specific-culture
- CPT
- 87015
- SNOMED
- 395140002
- Specimen volume
- 5-10 g of stool (minimum 2 g); rectal swab acceptable if stool cannot be obtained
- Stability
- Refrigerate at 2-8°C and transport to laboratory within 24 hours; for delays beyond 24 hours, freeze at -70°C or below; do not use formalin or preservative unless specifically required for complementary testing
- TAT
- 72–336 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to monitor chronic conditions (e.g., heart disease, arthritis) or check for signs of inflammation after surgery, injury, or infection. It can also help evaluate risk for future health problems.
What to Expect During the Test
A small needle will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel slight discomfort, but it usually lasts only a few seconds. No special preparation is needed unless your doctor instructs otherwise.
How Results Are Used
Results help doctors compare your inflammation levels to your symptoms or other tests. Low levels may mean your body isn’t responding to inflammation, while higher levels could signal an active issue.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is often used to track conditions like cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, or post-surgical healing. It’s not a standalone diagnosis but supports broader health assessments.
Reference range
Negative for Clostridium botulinum by culture; Positive indicates presence of organism or toxinN/A
No special patient preparation required; collect stool specimen as soon as possible after onset of symptoms; for suspected infant botulism, obtain stool before administration of botulinum antitoxin or antibiotics if clinically feasible
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker for systemic inflammation. While not specific to any single disease, elevated levels may indicate an underlying inflammatory process that could increase risk for conditions like atherosclerosis or metabolic syndrome. Doctors use it alongside clinical judgment and other tests to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
hsCRP
Frequently asked questions
What does a high hsCRP level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect hsCRP 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy