C-reactive protein (CRP) by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or immunoassay (IA) in serum/plasma

Why CRP Matters in Your Health

CRP is a marker for inflammation, which is your body’s way of responding to injury, infection, or illness. High levels may indicate conditions like infections, heart disease, or certain autoimmune disorders. Your doctor may order this test to check for inflammation or monitor a known condition.

When This Test Is Done

CRP tests are often done when you have symptoms of inflammation (e.g., fever, pain, swelling), after surgery or trauma, or as part of routine check-ups for conditions like heart disease or autoimmune diseases. Some doctors also use it to track how well treatments are working.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is usually needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it’s done in a fasting state. On the day of the test, avoid smoking, strenuous activity, or certain medications (like NSAIDs) that can affect inflammation levels. Bring a list of your current medications to your doctor.

What to Expect During the Test

A healthcare professional will draw blood from a vein in your arm. You may feel a slight pinch, but the process is quick and usually painless. The blood is then sent to a lab for testing using either HPLC or an immunoassay method to measure CRP levels.