C-reactive protein, serum/plasma mass concentration
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps doctors assess inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or after surgery."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 10560-1
- Short code
- CEASEM
- Synonyms
- CEA Smn-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Sterile, wide-mouthed specimen container (semen collection container)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- male
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (Chemiluminescent or Electrochemiluminescent)
- CPT
- 86301
- SNOMED
- 104734006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of ejaculate
- Stability
- Room temperature: 1 hour; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or lower): 1 month. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- 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 a CRP test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, evaluate infections, or assess how well you’re healing after surgery or an injury.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein 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, but the exact meaning depends on your overall health and symptoms. Elevated levels may prompt further testing or treatment adjustments.
Common Conditions Monitored
CRP is commonly used to track conditions like infections (e.g., pneumonia, urinary tract infections), autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or to evaluate responses to treatments.
Reference range
Non-smokers: <2.5 ng/mL; Smokers: <5.0 ng/mLN/A
Patient should abstain from ejaculation for 2-5 days prior to specimen collection. Specimen should be collected in a sterile, wide-mouthed container. Maintain specimen at body temperature and deliver to laboratory within 1 hour of collection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CRP (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes CRP levels to change?
How often should I get this test?
Can diet or exercise affect CRP 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy