C-reactive protein (serum/plasma concentration)
This test measures a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation or infection. It helps doctors monitor conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or infections.
["CRP helps track inflammation, guiding treatment decisions and early detection of health issues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 107840-1
- Short code
- Codfish IgG Qn IA
- Synonyms
- Codfish IgG Qn IA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ia
- 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 check for signs of inflammation, infections, or other health problems. High levels can indicate conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or infections, while low levels may suggest no active inflammation.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
Results can vary based on your health and medical history. High CRP levels often signal inflammation, while low levels may mean your body isn’t responding to an infection or injury. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test is commonly used to monitor conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease, infections (such as pneumonia or sepsis), and other inflammatory diseases. It can also help assess how well treatments are working.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A blood sample is taken from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate the serum or plasma, which is sent to the lab for testing. You may be asked to fast before the test, but this isn’t always required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: CRP plays a key role in identifying and managing inflammatory conditions. It’s often used alongside other tests to provide a clearer picture of your health status, especially in chronic diseases like arthritis or cardiovascular issues. CRP can also help doctors decide when to start or adjust treatments for infections or autoimmune disorders.
Short name
CRP (High Sensitivity)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high CRP level mean?
How often should I get this test?
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