C-reactive protein (CRP) with mass concentration measurement by nephelometry
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood, which helps your doctor assess inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps track inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections or autoimmune diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 38280-4
- Short code
- LPT 5.0 ug/mL CA Bld-aCnc
- Synonyms
- LPT 5.0 ug/mL CA Bld-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.8
- Ref high
- 1.2
- Critical range
- — – 5 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85610
- SNOMED
- 396252006
- 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 C-Reactive Protein?
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation. It rises when your body is fighting infection, injury, or other inflammatory conditions. This test is often used to monitor how well your body is responding to treatment for conditions like arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may order CRP testing to check for signs of inflammation, monitor chronic conditions, or evaluate whether an infection or other health issue is improving or worsening. It can also help guide decisions about treatments like steroids or other anti-inflammatory medications.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is then sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a specialized technique called nephelometry to measure CRP levels accurately.
What Are Common Uses?
CRP is commonly used to screen for infections, monitor inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), evaluate heart disease risk, and assess response to treatment for conditions causing chronic inflammation.
Reference range
INR: 0.8-1.2 (warfarin: 2.0-3.0)N/A
Inform your healthcare provider if you are taking blood thinners. No special preparation required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CRP (Nephelometry)
Frequently asked questions
What does a high CRP level mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can lifestyle changes affect CRP levels?
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