C-reactive protein (CRP) with high-sensitivity immunoassay (hs-CRP)

Why This Test Is Done

Doctors may order a high-sensitivity CRP test to evaluate the risk of heart disease, especially if you have risk factors like high cholesterol or diabetes. It can also help monitor conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or infections where inflammation is present but not severe enough for other tests to detect.

How the Test Works

Blood is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is processed to separate plasma, where the CRP protein is measured using a sensitive immunoassay method. This method detects very small amounts of CRP, which is why it’s called 'high-sensitivity.'

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed for this test. You may have some mild discomfort or bruising at the site where the blood was drawn, but this usually goes away quickly. Avoid strenuous activity or eating heavy meals 2 hours before the test if instructed by your provider.

What the Results Mean

Results are reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Higher levels may indicate inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like heart disease, autoimmune disorders, or infections. However, results alone don’t diagnose a specific condition; they’re used alongside other information from your medical history and tests.