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C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) by nephelometry

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 assess low-grade inflammation or risk for conditions like heart disease.

Quick summary

["A high hs-CRP level may signal underlying inflammation that could affect your health over time."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111311-7
Short code
C trach IgG Msmt Ser
Synonyms
C trach 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 Is Done

Your doctor may order this test to monitor chronic conditions like heart disease, arthritis, or other inflammatory diseases. It can also help track how well treatments are working or check for signs of infection or injury.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm or vein to draw blood. The test is quick and usually done in a lab setting.

What the Results Mean

Results are compared to general reference ranges, but exact values depend on the lab. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation, while very low levels might suggest a lack of inflammation or certain immune disorders.

Common Conditions Monitored

High-sensitivity CRP is often used alongside other tests to evaluate risks for cardiovascular events, autoimmune diseases, or to assess response to anti-inflammatory treatments.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: hs-CRP serves as a marker for systemic inflammation, helping clinicians identify patients at higher risk for cardiovascular disease or other inflammatory conditions. It’s not diagnostic on its own but often used alongside clinical findings and other tests.

Short name

hs-CRP

Frequently asked questions

What does a high hs-CRP level mean?
A high hs-CRP level suggests increased inflammation in your body, which may be linked to conditions like heart disease, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Your doctor will consider this along with other factors to guide treatment.
Can lifestyle changes affect hs-CRP levels?
Yes, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, and smoking can influence inflammation. Reducing processed foods, increasing omega-3s, and quitting smoking may help lower levels over time.
Is hs-CRP the same as a regular CRP test?
No, hs-CRP is a more sensitive version of CRP that detects very low levels of inflammation, making it useful for detecting subtle risks in people without obvious symptoms.
  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