C-reactive protein, serum/plasma concentration (high-sensitivity)
This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation, infection, or injury.
["hs-CRP helps track inflammation levels that may not be obvious from other symptoms."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 87435-4
- Short code
- C immitis IgG + IgM Pnl SerPl
- Synonyms
- C immitis IgG + IgM Pnl SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order this test to monitor chronic conditions like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory disorders. It can also help assess risk for future health issues or guide treatment decisions for conditions like infections or autoimmune diseases.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
A higher-than-normal hs-CRP level often signals inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like heart disease or certain infections. A very low level may suggest reduced inflammation, but it doesn’t always mean you’re healthy. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure the protein concentration using a sensitive method that detects even small amounts.
What Should You Do Before the Test?
Avoid strenuous exercise or significant physical activity 24 hours before the test. If you’re on anti-inflammatory medications, discuss this with your doctor, as they may affect results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker for systemic inflammation. It can help identify individuals at higher risk for cardiovascular events, guide the management of inflammatory diseases, and monitor response to treatment. While not a definitive diagnostic tool, it provides important context for overall health assessment.
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can lifestyle changes affect hs-CRP levels?
Is this test painful?
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