Serum/plasma high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) immunoassay
This test measures a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is produced by your liver in response to inflammation, helping your body fight infections or injury.
["CRP helps assess low-level inflammation, often used to monitor risk for heart disease or other conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 94447-0
- Short code
- HLA class II Ab.IgG high risk SerPl FC
- Synonyms
- HLA class II Ab.IgG high 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 CRP Measures
CRP is a marker of inflammation, a natural response your body uses to protect itself from injury or infection. While CRP levels rise with acute infections (like a cold or flu), they can also be elevated in chronic conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, or autoimmune disorders. This test specifically uses a sensitive method to detect even small amounts of CRP in your bloodstream.
Why It’s Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to monitor chronic inflammation, assess risk for cardiovascular events, or evaluate conditions where inflammation plays a role. It’s sometimes used alongside other tests to help guide treatment decisions or track progress in managing health conditions.
When to Expect Results
Results from this test are typically ready within 24 to 48 hours after your blood sample is drawn. Your provider will discuss the meaning of your results in the context of your overall health and medical history.
Common Reasons for Testing
Common reasons include checking for signs of heart disease risk, evaluating symptoms of inflammation (like joint pain or fatigue), or monitoring conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune diseases.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CRP levels may indicate ongoing inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like heart disease, certain cancers, or chronic infections. However, CRP alone doesn’t diagnose a specific condition—it’s used alongside other tests and clinical findings. Low or normal CRP levels suggest minimal inflammation, but they don’t rule out all possible causes of symptoms.
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What does a high CRP level mean?
Can lifestyle changes affect CRP levels?
Is CRP the same as the CRP test I had for a different reason?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy