C-Reactive Protein, High-Sensitivity — Concentration
A blood test that measures C-reactive protein to help assess inflammation and, in selected adults, cardiovascular risk.
["An elevated hs-CRP can signal inflammation and may also indicate increased cardiovascular risk when used with other findings."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69112-1
- Short code
- CT Hip-R W contr IS
- Synonyms
- CT Hip-R W contr IS
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- 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
What is this test?
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or hs-CRP, is a blood test that measures a substance produced by the body in response to inflammation. It can also help estimate cardiovascular risk in certain adults, but it is not a standalone heart-disease test.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may order this test to look for inflammation related to infection, autoimmune disease, or tissue injury. It may also be used for cardiovascular risk assessment when the result will be interpreted alongside other factors such as blood pressure, cholesterol, smoking, and medical history.
How is the test performed?
A blood sample is collected and sent to a laboratory, where the amount of C-reactive protein is measured. The laboratory may report the result as a concentration, and the high-sensitivity method can detect lower amounts than a standard CRP test.
How do I prepare for the test?
This test usually requires no fasting or special preparation. Follow any instructions from your clinician, and tell the laboratory if you have a current infection, recent injury, surgery, or significant exercise, because these can temporarily raise the result.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An elevated result may indicate inflammation from infection, autoimmune conditions, tissue injury, or another inflammatory process. In selected adults, persistently higher levels may also suggest increased cardiovascular risk, particularly when other risk factors are present. The result should be interpreted by a clinician because temporary illness and other conditions can affect it.
Short name
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)
Frequently asked questions
Is a high-sensitivity CRP test the same as a regular CRP test?
Does an elevated CRP mean I have a heart attack?
Can a recent illness affect the result?
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