C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, plasma
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood plasma, a protein produced by the liver that rises in response to inflammation.
["CRP helps doctors assess inflammation in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107080-4
- Short code
- BMCD3CD19
- Synonyms
- Cells.CD3-CD19+ NFr Mar FC
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Heparinized bone marrow aspirate collected in sterile sodium heparin or EDTA tube for flow cytometry; specimen must be anticoagulated and maintained at room temperature
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 5
- Ref high
- 15
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–120 years
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- CPT
- 86356
- SNOMED
- 39513008
- Specimen volume
- 1-3 mL of bone marrow aspirate; minimum 0.5 mL required for adequate flow cytometric analysis
- Stability
- Specimen should be processed within 24-48 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C); viability is best preserved when analyzed within 24 hours. Do not refrigerate.
- 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 check for signs of inflammation, monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or after certain treatments. It can also help evaluate risk for heart disease or other inflammatory conditions.
What Does a High or Low Level Mean?
Elevated CRP levels often indicate inflammation, which can be linked to infections, injuries, or diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. Very low levels may suggest no active inflammation, but they don’t rule out all causes.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is processed to separate plasma, and the CRP level is measured using a sensitive immunoassay technique.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Increased CRP can result from infections, surgeries, trauma, or certain medications. Chronic conditions like heart disease or inflammatory bowel disease may also raise CRP levels over time.
Reference range
CD3-CD19+ (B-lymphocytes) in bone marrow: approximately 5-15% of total nucleated cells; results reported as percentage and absolute count. Reference ranges vary by age; age-specific reference intervals should be applied.N/A
No fasting required. Bone marrow aspiration is performed by a qualified physician under sterile conditions, typically from the posterior superior iliac spine or sternum, following informed consent and appropriate anesthesia.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CRP Plasma
Frequently asked questions
What does a CRP test measure?
How soon after an injury or illness might CRP levels change?
Can CRP levels be affected by diet or lifestyle?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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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