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Serum or Plasma Substance Concentration for C-Reactive Protein (High-Sensitivity)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation, often used to check for low-grade inflammation or risk of heart disease.

Quick summary

["A simple blood test to assess subtle inflammation or cardiovascular risk."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
76486-0
Short code
CRP SerPl HS-sCnc
Synonyms
CRP SerPl HS-sCnc
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
Method
high-sensitivity
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 doctor may order this test to monitor chronic conditions like arthritis or heart disease, check for signs of infection, or evaluate general inflammation levels. High-sensitivity CRP helps detect inflammation that standard tests might miss.

What Does the Result Mean?

Results are not given as a specific range since values vary by lab and condition. Higher levels may indicate inflammation, while lower levels suggest reduced risk of heart disease or stable inflammation. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed, but avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test. Fasted blood draws are not required for this test.

What Happens During the Test?

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually takes only a few minutes. The blood sample is sent to a lab for analysis.

Reference range

Normal: <3.0 mg/LN/A

Specimen: serum

For females: inform if menstrual cycle status. For certain tests, timing within menstrual cycle may matter.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

hs-CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

Frequently asked questions

Your doctor may use this test to track inflammation over time, assess risk for cardiovascular events, or evaluate response to treatments for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
This test is not a direct diagnosis for any specific condition but can help guide treatment decisions or monitor long-term health risks.
How often should I get this test?
Frequency depends on your health condition and doctor’s recommendations. Some patients get it yearly, while others may need it more often if managing chronic inflammation or heart disease.
Can lifestyle changes affect my CRP levels?
Yes, diet, exercise, and stress management can influence inflammation levels. Small, sustainable lifestyle changes may help lower CRP over time, but results vary by individual.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy