Skip to content

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Published: July 21, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) measures the level of a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body.

Quick summary

CRP is a key biomarker for monitoring inflammation.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
mg/L
Clinical utility
monitoring
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche CRP, Abbott CRP, Siemens CRP
interpretation: {"text":"CRP levels below 3 mg/L are generally considered normal and indicate low levels of inflammation.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":"CRP levels above 3 mg/L may indicate the presence of inflammation, infection, or chronic disease.","label":"Elevated"}

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver that increases during inflammatory conditions in the body. It is a non-specific marker, meaning it can indicate the presence of inflammation but does not specify where the inflammation is or what is causing it.

CRP levels are often used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory conditions, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases. Elevated CRP levels can indicate that the condition is not well-controlled or that the treatment needs adjustment.

In clinical practice, CRP is frequently measured alongside other markers to provide a comprehensive picture of a patient's inflammatory status. It is a valuable tool for tracking disease progression and response to therapy over time.

Frequently asked questions

What conditions can cause elevated CRP levels?
Elevated CRP levels can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, chronic inflammatory diseases, and certain cancers.
How often should CRP levels be monitored?
The frequency of CRP monitoring depends on the specific condition being treated and the treatment plan. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate schedule.
  1. 1
    C-Reactive Protein (CRP)Source
  2. 2
    C-Reactive Protein TestSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy