C-reactive protein (CRP) concentration, plasma
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein in your blood plasma, a protein produced by the liver that rises in response to inflammation.
["CRP helps track inflammation in your body."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 69015-6
- Short code
- LPT CA max/CD3 Bld FC-NFr
- Synonyms
- LPT CA max/CD3 Bld FC-NFr
- 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
- Method
- flow-cytometry
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to check for signs of inflammation, monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or heart disease, or evaluate responses to treatments. CRP levels can also help assess risk for future health issues, such as cardiovascular problems.
What Does a High or Low CRP Level Mean?
Elevated CRP levels often indicate inflammation, which can be caused by infections, injuries, or certain medical conditions. Very high levels may suggest severe inflammation or infection. Low levels typically mean minimal inflammation, though they don’t rule out other conditions that don’t cause inflammation.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate plasma, which is analyzed for CRP levels using a sensitive immunoassay method.
What Are Common Reference Ranges?
Reference ranges can vary by lab and individual factors, but typical ranges for CRP include low-normal (0–3 mg/L), moderate (3–10 mg/L), and high (>10 mg/L). These ranges help guide interpretation but aren’t absolute.
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 Plasma
Frequently asked questions
CRP is a marker for systemic inflammation and is often used alongside other tests to diagnose or monitor conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or heart disease. It can also help predict risks for conditions like heart attacks or strokes in people without obvious symptoms.
Results from a CRP test are usually available within 1–3 business days, depending on your lab’s processing time. Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during your follow-up visit.
Yes, lifestyle factors like diet, exercise, smoking, and stress can influence CRP levels. Eating a heart-healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding smoking may help lower CRP and reduce inflammation over time.
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