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

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance that your liver produces when there is inflammation somewhere in your body. A simple blood test measures the amount of CRP in your blood, helping your doctor detect and monitor conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and inflammation linked to heart disease.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a marker produced by your liver when your body detects inflammation. It rises in response to injuries, infections, or conditions causing chronic inflammation, such as arthritis or heart disease. This test helps doctors assess whether inflammation is present and guide treatment decisions.

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms of an infection or an inflammatory condition, such as fever, fatigue, unexplained pain, or swelling. It is also used to monitor chronic diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, check how well a treatment is working, and help evaluate your risk for cardiovascular problems.

Your doctor may order a CRP test to monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis), or to check for signs of inflammation before or after treatments. It can also help evaluate heart disease risk or assess response to treatments.

The test is a straightforward blood draw. A healthcare professional will clean the skin on your arm, wrap a band around your upper arm, and collect a small sample of blood from a vein, usually in the crook of your elbow. The procedure takes only a few minutes, causes little discomfort, and you can return to your normal activities right away.

A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed to measure CRP levels. No special preparation is usually needed, but fasting may be advised in some cases.

CRP results are reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Higher-than-normal levels indicate inflammation in your body, but the test does not reveal where the inflammation is located or what is causing it. Very high levels may suggest a serious infection, while mildly elevated levels can point to chronic inflammation or increased heart disease risk. Your doctor will interpret your results together with your symptoms and other tests.

Results are interpreted based on your overall health and medical history. Higher CRP levels may indicate inflammation, while lower levels suggest reduced inflammation. Your doctor will discuss findings with you in the context of your specific situation.