C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry (high-sensitivity)
This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when inflammation is present, often used to check for low-grade inflammation or infection.
["A simple blood test to monitor subtle signs of inflammation in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48848-6
- Short code
- COXPH1IGA
- Synonyms
- C burnet Ph1 IgA Titr Ser IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86638
- SNOMED
- 313527003
- Specimen volume
- 1–2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 24 hours; Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 2
- Lipemia max
- 2
- Icterus max
- 2
- TAT
- 48–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to evaluate for conditions like heart disease risk, autoimmune disorders, or infections where inflammation plays a role. High levels may indicate conditions such as arthritis, heart attacks, or chronic infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is 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
Results are typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Very low or normal levels suggest little to no inflammation. Elevated levels may signal inflammation or infection, but they don’t always point to a specific condition.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test helps assess risks for cardiovascular disease, track symptoms of autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), or monitor chronic conditions like lupus or inflammatory bowel disease.
Reference range
Titer <1:50 Negative; 1:50–1:100 Equivocal; ≥1:200 Positive (indicative of chronic Q fever). Reference ranges vary by laboratory.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What causes CRP levels to rise?
Can diet or lifestyle affect CRP levels?
How often should I get this test?
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