C-Reactive Protein (High-Sensitivity) in Serum/Plasma
This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when inflammation is present, often used to assess general inflammation or risk of heart disease.
["hs-CRP helps track inflammation levels that may signal underlying health concerns."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 111006-3
- Short code
- CRP Msmt SerPl
- Synonyms
- CRP Msmt SerPl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 3
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 86140
- 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 in your body. It can help evaluate conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or assess cardiovascular risk. High levels may also indicate poor response to treatment for certain conditions.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. You may feel a small pinch when the needle goes in, but it usually doesn’t cause much discomfort afterward. The blood is then separated into serum or plasma for testing.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Results are not given in a single number but are interpreted in the context of your overall health. Elevated levels may suggest inflammation, while lower levels may indicate reduced risk of certain health issues. Your doctor will discuss these results with you.
Common Reasons for Testing
This test is often used to monitor chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, to evaluate heart disease risk, or to check for signs of infection or inflammation after treatment begins.
Reference range
Normal: <3.0 mg/LN/A
No special preparation required. CRP may be affected by acute illness.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: hs-CRP plays a role in identifying inflammation that may not be obvious through other tests. It can help guide treatment plans for conditions like cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, or post-infection recovery. While not a definitive diagnostic tool, it provides important information for monitoring and managing health risks.
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What does a high hs-CRP level mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect hs-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