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C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) in serum/plasma

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when inflammation is present, often used to monitor or screen for conditions like heart disease or infection.

Quick summary

["hsCRP helps track subtle inflammation in your body."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
95555-9
Short code
F7 R353Q Geno Bld/T
Synonyms
F7 R353Q Geno Bld/T
Category
chemistry
Sample
whole-blood
Container
Lavender-top (EDTA)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
molgen
Specimen volume
3 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
Hemolysis max
0
Lipemia max
0
Icterus max
0
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What Is hsCRP Used For?

Healthcare providers may use hsCRP to assess risk for cardiovascular events, monitor chronic conditions (such as arthritis or autoimmune diseases), or check for signs of infection or inflammation after surgery or injury. It’s not a diagnostic test for a specific condition but can help guide treatment decisions.

How Is This Test Done?

A small blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it’s analyzed to measure hsCRP levels. Results are typically available within a few days.

What Does a High or Low hsCRP Level Mean?

A higher-than-normal hsCRP level may suggest inflammation, which could be linked to conditions like heart disease, certain infections, or inflammatory diseases. A very low level usually means there’s little to no inflammation detected. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health.

How Often Should I Get This Test?

Your doctor will determine how often you need hsCRP testing based on your medical history, symptoms, and other tests. Some people may get it yearly, while others may need it more or less frequently depending on their condition.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

hsCRP

Frequently asked questions

Why might my hsCRP test result be different from what I expected?
Several factors can affect hsCRP levels, including recent illness, stress, medications (like NSAIDs or steroids), or even what you ate in the past 24 hours. Your doctor may ask you to avoid certain foods or activities before testing to get the most accurate result.
Can I fast before this test?
Fasting is usually not required for hsCRP testing, but your doctor may recommend it if they suspect dietary factors could influence results. If fasting is advised, follow their instructions carefully.
Will this test show if I have a specific infection or disease?
No, hsCRP is not a specific test for infections or diseases. It measures inflammation broadly and can be elevated in many conditions. Your doctor will use hsCRP results along with other tests and symptoms to make a diagnosis.
  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