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High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) with Plasma Specimen

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

This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation, often used to assess low-grade inflammation or risk of cardiovascular disease.

Quick summary

["hs-CRP helps track inflammation that may not be obvious from other symptoms."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
94450-4
Short code
HLA class I Ab.IgG med risk SerPl FC
Synonyms
HLA class I Ab.IgG med risk SerPl FC
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
flow-cytometry
CPT
82784
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 systemic inflammation, which can occur even when you don’t feel sick. It helps doctors assess risk for conditions like heart disease, especially in people with no obvious symptoms of inflammation.

How Is It Different from Regular CRP?

Unlike standard CRP, which measures a broader protein response, hs-CRP is a more sensitive test that detects smaller amounts of inflammation in your bloodstream, making it useful for early risk assessment.

What Does a High or Low Result Mean?

Elevated hs-CRP may indicate chronic, low-level inflammation that could contribute to long-term health risks. Lower-than-normal levels suggest minimal ongoing inflammation, but this doesn’t always mean you’re healthy.

Clinical Significance

hs-CRP is often used alongside other tests to help identify people at higher risk for cardiovascular disease or other inflammatory conditions. It’s not a diagnostic test for specific diseases but a marker for overall health risk.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

hs-CRP is a key tool in cardiovascular risk stratification, particularly in individuals with no clear signs of inflammation. It may guide decisions about lifestyle changes, medications, or further testing.

Short name

hs-CRP Plasma

Frequently asked questions

Why might my doctor order this test?
Your doctor may recommend hs-CRP if you have risk factors for heart disease (like high cholesterol or diabetes), if you’re asymptomatic but at higher risk, or if they suspect chronic inflammation affecting your health.
Does hs-CRP replace other blood tests?
No, hs-CRP is one piece of the puzzle. It’s often used alongside cholesterol, glucose, and other tests to give a fuller picture of your health risks.
Can lifestyle changes lower my hs-CRP?
Yes! Regular exercise, a heart-healthy diet, and managing stress can help reduce inflammation and lower hs-CRP levels over time.
  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