C-reactive protein (CRP) – Serum/plasma concentration

Your doctor may order a CRP test to check for inflammation in your body. This simple blood test helps diagnose infections, monitor chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, and track how well your treatment is working over time. A high-sensitivity CRP test may also be used to help evaluate your risk of heart disease.

Doctors may order a CRP test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or heart disease, or evaluate responses to treatments. It can also help identify risks for certain health issues before symptoms appear.

Very little preparation is needed for a CRP test. You can usually eat and drink normally and take your regular medications unless your doctor tells you otherwise. Let your healthcare provider know about any medicines, vitamins, or supplements you use, and mention any recent illness, injury, or surgery, since these can affect your CRP levels and your results.

No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the test if it involves drawing blood from a vein. Wear comfortable clothing and let your healthcare provider know about any medications or medical conditions.

During a CRP test, a healthcare professional draws a small sample of blood, usually from a vein in your arm. They will clean the site, wrap a band around your upper arm, and insert a thin needle to collect the sample into a tube. The draw takes only a few minutes, and you may feel a quick pinch. A small bandage is placed on your arm afterward.

A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in your arm to draw blood. You may feel a slight pinch, but it usually doesn’t cause significant discomfort. The process takes about 5 minutes.

CRP results are reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Levels below 10 mg/L are generally considered normal, while higher readings can point to inflammation from an infection, injury, or a chronic condition such as arthritis. A very high CRP level may signal a serious infection that needs prompt care. Your doctor will interpret your result alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.

Results are reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Higher than normal levels may indicate inflammation, infections, or other health concerns. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your overall health and medical history.