C-reactive protein (CRP) by turbidimetry (serum/plasma)
This test measures the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood, a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation.
["CRP helps doctors assess inflammation, which can be linked to infections, injuries, or other health conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 88622-6
- Short code
- CMV Ocflu Ql Shell Vial Cult
- Synonyms
- CMV Ocflu Ql Shell Vial Cult
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- shell-vial-culture
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or infections, or evaluate responses to treatments. It can also help identify risks for certain health issues before symptoms appear.
What Does a High or Low CRP Level Mean?
Higher CRP levels often indicate inflammation, which may signal infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions. Lower levels may suggest reduced inflammation, but this isn’t always cause for concern unless your provider notes it in the context of your health history.
How Is the Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed using a method called turbidimetry to measure CRP levels.
What Should You Expect Before the Test?
No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications or foods for a short time if instructed by your provider. Fasted or non-fasted blood draws are common for CRP tests.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CRP is a useful marker for monitoring inflammation across many conditions. It’s often used alongside other tests to guide treatment decisions, track disease progression, or screen for risks in people without obvious symptoms. While CRP doesn’t diagnose specific conditions, it provides important clues about your body’s inflammatory state.
Short name
CRP Level
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
What if my CRP level is outside the normal range?
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