C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) in serum/plasma
This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation or infection.
["hsCRP helps track inflammation, often used before or after other tests for conditions like heart disease or autoimmune disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 110054-4
- Short code
- C trach B IgG Msmt Ser
- Synonyms
- C trach B IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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 This Test Might Be Ordered
Your doctor may order this test to monitor inflammation in your body, especially if you have a history of heart disease, arthritis, or other inflammatory conditions. It can also be used to check for signs of infection or to evaluate how well treatments are working for conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this test. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. It usually takes about 15 minutes total, and you can eat and drink normally afterward. If you’re on blood thinners, let your doctor know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Results are reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Higher levels may indicate inflammation, infection, or other health concerns. Very low levels might suggest no active inflammation. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Common Conditions Monitored
High-sensitivity CRP is often used to assess risk for heart disease, track progression of autoimmune diseases, or evaluate responses to treatments for conditions like vasculitis or certain types of arthritis.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
hsCRP is a marker for systemic inflammation, which can signal underlying health risks such as cardiovascular disease, certain cancers, or chronic inflammatory diseases. While not a definitive test, it provides valuable insight for doctors to guide treatment decisions and monitor disease activity over time.
Short name
hsCRP
Frequently asked questions
What does a high hsCRP level mean?
Can I eat or drink anything before this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
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