C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) in serum/plasma
This test measures a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, helping doctors assess low-grade inflammation in your body.
["hs-CRP helps track subtle inflammation linked to chronic conditions like heart disease or autoimmune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 35695-6
- Short code
- CALENC
- Synonyms
- CEV IgM Titr Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) / Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
- CPT
- 86651
- SNOMED
- 12245005
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order hs-CRP to monitor chronic inflammation, evaluate risk for cardiovascular events, or check for signs of inflammation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus. It’s also used in some screening programs for heart disease.
What Does the Result Mean?
Results don’t provide a direct diagnosis but can indicate whether inflammation is present. Higher levels may suggest conditions like infection, autoimmune diseases, or metabolic disorders. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum or plasma is then tested for hs-CRP using a sensitive immunoassay method to detect very small amounts of the protein.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated hs-CRP can occur with infections, injuries, chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, obesity), or certain medications. Lower-than-normal levels may be seen in rare cases of very low inflammation or certain genetic conditions.
Reference range
Negative: Titer < 1:10; Positive: Titer >= 1:10 (indicative of recent or acute infection)N/A
No special patient preparation required. Collect specimen during acute phase of illness, ideally within first 2 weeks of symptom onset for optimal IgM detection.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: hs-CRP’s Role in Healthcare
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
hs-CRP is primarily a marker for systemic inflammation. While not diagnostic on its own, it’s often used alongside other tests to guide treatment decisions, such as adjusting medications for heart disease or monitoring disease activity in autoimmune disorders.
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect hs-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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy