C-reactive protein, serum concentration (high-sensitivity)
This test measures a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP helps the body identify and respond to inflammation.
["CRP is a simple blood test to check for inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections or heart disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 101939-7
- Short code
- CND-DNA
- Synonyms
- C dubl+lusit+krus+auris DNA Spec Ql NAA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top vacutainer tube; sterile, leak-proof container
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87481
- SNOMED
- 122450008
- 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 lower): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is CRP Used For?
CRP is primarily used to detect and monitor inflammation in the body. High levels may signal conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or heart problems. Doctors may also use it to assess the risk of future heart events or to evaluate responses to treatments.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of inflammation, such as fever, swelling, or pain, or if you have a known condition that causes inflammation. It can also be part of routine check-ups for people at higher risk of heart disease or other inflammatory conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into a vein in your arm, and a small amount of blood will be drawn. This process usually takes a few minutes.
What Are the Possible Results?
Results are typically reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). While reference ranges can vary by lab, higher than normal levels may indicate inflammation. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Reference range
Negative (Target Candida DNA not detected)N/A
No special preparation or fasting required. Specimen should be collected prior to initiation of antifungal therapy when possible, as antifungal agents may reduce pathogen DNA load and potentially yield false-negative results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What Does a High CRP Level Mean?
What Does a Low CRP Level Mean?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy