C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps identify and monitor inflammation, often used to check for infections, autoimmune conditions, or other inflammatory diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 82297-3
- Short code
- CHIKVG
- Synonyms
- CHIKV E1+E2 IgG Ser Ql IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top or tiger-top) preferred; alternatively, red-top plain tube. Allow specimen to clot fully (30 minutes) before centrifugation.
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 14
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (typically enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] or chemiluminescent immunoassay [CLIA]) detecting IgG antibodies directed against Chikungunya virus envelope glycoproteins E1 and E2 structural proteins
- CPT
- 86790
- SNOMED
- 122548000
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum minimum; 0.5 mL acceptable for pediatric or limited samples. Collect 3-5 mL whole blood to yield adequate serum.
- Stability
- Serum stable at 2-8°C for up to 7 days. For extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles. Ship on cold packs or dry ice depending on transit duration.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 200
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Doctors may order CRP tests to evaluate signs of inflammation, monitor chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or assess for infections such as pneumonia or sepsis. It can also help track how well treatment is working for certain conditions.
What Does a High or Low CRP Level Mean?
A higher CRP level often indicates inflammation or infection. While not specific to any single condition, elevated CRP can signal areas needing further investigation, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory processes. A low CRP level suggests minimal inflammation, but it doesn’t rule out all possible causes.
Sample Collection and Preparation
This test uses a blood sample, typically drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is collected in a special tube that separates serum or plasma from cells. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using nephelometry, a method that measures how much light is scattered by particles in the sample.
What to Expect Before the Test
You can eat and drink normally before the test. Avoid heavy exercise or strenuous activities 24 hours before your appointment, as this may affect your CRP levels. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you’re taking, as some may influence inflammation markers.
Reference range
Negative: No detectable IgG antibodies against Chikungunya E1/E2 structural proteins. Positive: IgG antibodies detected, indicating past exposure or persistent infection. Equivocal/Borderline: Repeat testing in 10-14 days recommended. Interpretation requires correlation with clinical presentation, travel history, and endemic exposure.N/A
No special preparation required. Sample may be collected at any time of day. Patients should be encouraged to disclose recent travel history to Chikungunya-endemic regions and prior flavivirus/alphavirus vaccination or infection, as cross-reactivity may occur.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CRP (Nephelometry)
Frequently asked questions
CRP is a general marker of inflammation and is not disease-specific. It can be elevated due to infections, injuries, surgeries, or certain autoimmune diseases. While it doesn’t diagnose a specific condition, it helps guide further testing or treatment decisions by indicating the presence of inflammation that may need addressing.
How often should I get a CRP test if I have a chronic condition like arthritis?
Can lifestyle changes, like 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 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy