C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry (serum/plasma)
This test measures a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP), which your body produces in response to inflammation. It helps doctors assess whether you have low-grade inflammation that might be linked to conditions like heart disease or autoimmune disorders.
CRP helps track subtle inflammation, often used alongside other tests for early risk assessment.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 105804-9
- Short code
- C gattii+neofor DNA Ct Bld + Qn NAA+pr
- Synonyms
- C gattii+neofor DNA Ct Bld + Qn NAA+pr
- Category
- coagulation
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why CRP Matters in Your Health
CRP is a marker for inflammation, a natural response your body uses to fight infections or injury. While CRP levels rise with infections, injuries, or surgeries, they can also be elevated in conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or certain cancers. High sensitivity CRP is particularly useful for detecting low-level inflammation that might not be obvious otherwise.
How This Test Works
Your blood sample is analyzed using nephelometry, a method that measures how much light is scattered by CRP particles in your serum or plasma. This helps determine the precise concentration of CRP in your blood.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, similar to other routine blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, let your healthcare provider know before the test.
Common Reasons for Testing
Doctors may order CRP testing to monitor chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, check for signs of heart disease risk, evaluate symptoms of infection, or assess inflammation after surgery or injury.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CRP levels can signal inflammation, which may indicate underlying health concerns such as cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, or infections. High sensitivity CRP is particularly useful for early detection of inflammation that might not be detected by standard tests. However, CRP alone isn’t diagnostic—it’s often used alongside other tests and clinical findings to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
CRP (High Sensitivity)
Frequently asked questions
How often should I get this test?
Does CRP test show if I have an infection?
Can diet or exercise affect 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy