C-reactive protein (CRP) with high-sensitivity measurement by turbidimetry (serum/plasma)
This test measures a protein called C-reactive protein, which your body produces in response to inflammation. It helps doctors assess low-level inflammation in your body.
["hs-CRP helps track subtle inflammation that may not be obvious otherwise."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99014-3
- Short code
- CFREDNA
- Synonyms
- C freundii DNA Ur Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- urine
- Container
- Sterile, leak-proof urine collection container; preferably a vacuum-filled sterile collection tube with preservative for nucleic acid stabilization
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- CPT
- 87481
- SNOMED
- 122451003
- Specimen volume
- 10-50 mL of urine, minimum 1-2 mL for molecular testing
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24-48 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): up to 30 days for nucleic acid preservation
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of inflammation, especially if you have risk factors for heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune conditions. It can also be used to monitor treatment progress in certain conditions.
What Does the Result Mean?
Higher than expected levels may indicate inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like heart disease, infections, or certain autoimmune diseases. Lower levels suggest reduced inflammation. Results alone don’t diagnose a specific condition; they’re used alongside other tests and symptoms.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure CRP levels using a special technique that detects even small amounts of the protein.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Increased CRP levels can be caused by infections, injuries, surgeries, or certain medications. It may also rise in people with chronic conditions like heart disease or arthritis. Low levels might suggest no active inflammation, but they can also occur in people with very low immune activity.
Reference range
Negative (Not Detected) for Citrobacter freundii DNAN/A
No special patient preparation required. Patient should follow standard midstream clean-catch urine collection instructions. Prior to collection, the patient should cleanse the urethral area with antiseptic wipes. First morning void is preferred but not mandatory.
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
What does a high hs-CRP level mean for my health?
Can I lower my CRP levels naturally?
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