High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) in Serum

What Is High-Sensitivity CRP?

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a marker produced by your liver in response to inflammation. It can detect even small amounts of inflammation in your body, which may not be visible on other tests. This test is particularly useful for monitoring chronic, low-grade inflammation that could contribute to conditions like heart disease or autoimmune disorders.

Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?

Your doctor may order hsCRP to evaluate your risk for cardiovascular problems, monitor chronic inflammatory conditions, or check for signs of infection or injury before surgery. It can also help assess how well certain treatments are working for conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.

How Is the Test Performed?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate serum (the liquid part after clotting) for testing. The test measures the concentration of hsCRP in your serum using a sensitive immunoassay method.

What Does a High or Low Result Mean?

Results are not provided with specific numeric ranges on this site, but doctors use them to compare against general guidelines. High levels of hsCRP may indicate increased inflammation, which could raise concerns about heart disease risk or other inflammatory conditions. Low levels suggest minimal inflammation. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your overall health and medical history.