C-reactive protein (CRP) measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) in serum/plasma
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps identify and monitor inflammation, often used to check for infections, autoimmune conditions, or other inflammatory diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4993-2
- Short code
- C trach rRNA Spec Ql Probe
- Synonyms
- C trach rRNA Spec Ql Probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe
- 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 healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, infections, or after surgery to see how your body is healing. It can also help evaluate risk for heart disease or other chronic conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You may have blood drawn from a vein in your arm, similar to other blood tests. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Higher CRP levels often indicate inflammation, but results alone don’t diagnose a specific condition. Your provider will consider your symptoms, medical history, and other test results to interpret the results.
Common Conditions Monitored
Elevated CRP can signal infections (like pneumonia or urinary tract infections), autoimmune diseases (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), or conditions like heart disease. Low levels may suggest no active inflammation, but they don’t rule out all causes.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: CRP is a nonspecific marker of systemic inflammation. While it’s useful for screening and monitoring chronic conditions, it’s not definitive for diagnosing a single illness. Levels may fluctuate based on activity level, stress, or recent illness, so results should be reviewed in context with your overall health.
Short name
CRP (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes CRP levels to rise?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or exercise affect CRP levels?
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