C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) in serum/plasma
This test measures a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, helping assess low-grade inflammation in the body.
["hs-CRP helps track inflammation, aiding in risk evaluation for heart disease and other conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 72318-9
- Short code
- CENPA
- Synonyms
- CENP A IgG SerPl Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum Separator Tube (SST, gold-top) or Red-Top (no additive) tube; alternatively, plasma collected in EDTA (lavender-top), Heparin (green-top), or Citrate (light blue-top) tubes per assay-specific requirements.
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–99 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (e.g., Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay - ELISA, Chemiluminescent Immunoassay - CLIA, or Multiplex Bead-Based Assay)
- CPT
- 83520 (Immunoassay, analyte, quantitative, not otherwise specified) or 86255 (Antibody screen, each antibody identification) depending on payer and reporting format.
- SNOMED
- 417530003 | Anti-centromere antibody measurement (procedure)
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum or plasma (minimum 0.5 mL).
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours. Refrigerated (2–8°C): 7 days. Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order hs-CRP to evaluate inflammation, especially if you have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, autoimmune conditions, or chronic illnesses like diabetes. It can also help monitor treatment effectiveness for inflammatory diseases.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
A higher-than-normal hs-CRP level suggests increased inflammation, which may indicate conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or cardiovascular risks. A lower level generally means reduced inflammation, though it doesn’t rule out all causes.
Common Conditions Monitored
hs-CRP is often used alongside other tests to assess risk for heart attacks, strokes, or progression of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It’s not a standalone diagnosis but supports overall health assessments.
Sample Preparation Tips
For this test, blood is drawn into a tube that separates serum or plasma. Avoid strenuous activity or eating heavy meals 12 hours before testing to ensure accurate results.
Reference range
Negative: Antibodies to centromere protein A (CENP-A) IgG not detected. Positive: Antibodies to CENP-A IgG detected. Results are reported qualitatively as Positive or Negative based on the assay-specific cut-off value.N/A
No special patient preparation is required prior to specimen collection. Fasting is not necessary.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Inflammation as a Marker
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What causes elevated hs-CRP levels?
Can lifestyle changes affect hs-CRP?
Is hs-CRP the same as a general CRP 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