C-reactive protein (CRP) with high-sensitivity measurement
This blood test measures a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation. It helps assess whether you have low-grade inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like heart disease or autoimmune disorders.
["hs-CRP helps track subtle inflammation that may not show up in other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 28372-1
- Short code
- FINANCIALSITUATIONISDISTRESSING
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- reported-living-hiv
- 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
What Is hs-CRP Used For?
hs-CRP is primarily used to evaluate the risk of heart disease and other inflammatory conditions. It can also help monitor treatment effectiveness in certain chronic illnesses.
How Is hs-CRP Different from Regular CRP?
High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is more sensitive than standard CRP, meaning it can detect smaller amounts of inflammation in your blood. This makes it useful for identifying early signs of inflammation that might not be obvious otherwise.
How Is hs-CRP Tested?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The sample is sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a specialized immunoassay method to measure the protein levels accurately.
What Does a High or Low hs-CRP Level Mean?
Elevated hs-CRP levels may suggest inflammation, which could be linked to conditions like arthritis, infections, or cardiovascular risk. Lower levels typically indicate minimal inflammation, but this depends on your overall health and medical history.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: hs-CRP plays a key role in cardiovascular risk assessment. Persistently elevated levels may prompt further evaluation for underlying causes, such as chronic inflammation or undiagnosed conditions. It is not a standalone diagnosis but often used alongside other tests to guide treatment decisions.
Short name
hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein)
Frequently asked questions
Why might my doctor order an hs-CRP test?
Can hs-CRP levels change with diet or exercise?
Is hs-CRP the same as a complete blood count (CBC)?
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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy