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C-reactive protein (CRP) mass concentration in serum/plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in your body.

Quick summary

["CRP helps doctors assess inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or after surgery."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
59227-9
Short code
CgA-CSF
Synonyms
CgA CSF-aCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
csf
Container
Sterile polypropylene CSF collection tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)
CPT
83516
SNOMED
104686000
Specimen volume
1-2 mL of cerebrospinal fluid
Stability
Ambient: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 3 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Hemolysis max
200
TAT
48–168 hours
Order
routine

Why CRP Matters

CRP is a marker for inflammation, meaning it rises when your body is fighting infection, healing from injury, or dealing with conditions like arthritis or heart disease. While CRP itself isn’t the cause of inflammation, it’s a useful tool to track how your body is responding.

What to Expect During the Test

You’ll typically have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. CRP levels are usually measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L) or micrograms per milliliter (µg/mL), but exact ranges can vary by lab.

Common Uses for CRP Testing

Doctors often use CRP to check for infections (like pneumonia or urinary tract infections), monitor chronic conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), or evaluate heart health before or after procedures.

When You Might Need This Test

Your doctor may order CRP testing if you have symptoms of inflammation, if you’re recovering from surgery or a serious illness, or if you have a condition that causes chronic inflammation.

Reference range

Reference ranges for Chromogranin A in CSF are not well established; results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Consult laboratory-specific reference values.N/A

Specimen: csf

No special patient preparation is required. Lumbar puncture should be performed under standard sterile technique by trained personnel.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

CRP

Frequently asked questions

What does an elevated CRP level mean?
An elevated CRP level suggests inflammation is present. While high levels can indicate infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions, they don’t always point to a specific diagnosis. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and medical history to interpret results.
Can CRP levels be affected by diet or lifestyle?
Yes, factors like smoking, physical activity, stress, and certain medications can influence CRP levels. Avoiding smoking, staying active, and managing stress may help lower inflammation over time.
How often should CRP be checked?
The frequency depends on your health condition. Some people with chronic inflammation may have CRP checked regularly, while others may only need it once or twice a year, depending on their doctor’s recommendations.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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