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C-reactive protein (high-sensitivity) concentration, plasma

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

This test measures a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation, helping assess low-grade inflammation in the body.

Quick summary

["hsCRP helps track subtle inflammation that may not show up in other tests."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
81567-0
Short code
NM Hrt Gat+BP+EF+WM W sing exer+W RNC IV
Synonyms
NM Hrt Gat+BP+EF+WM W sing exer+W RNC IV
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
nm
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

Why Is This Test Done?

Your doctor may order this test to monitor chronic conditions like heart disease, diabetes, or autoimmune disorders, or to check for early signs of inflammation after surgery, injury, or infection.

What Does a High or Low Result Mean?

Elevated levels may indicate inflammation, infection, or certain health conditions. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest reduced inflammation, but they don’t always mean you’re healthy.

How Is This Test Performed?

A small blood sample is drawn from your arm, and the plasma is analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to measure the protein concentration.

What Should You Do Before the Test?

Avoid strenuous exercise or taking anti-inflammatory medications for 24 hours before testing, as they can affect results.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance: hsCRP is a marker for systemic inflammation, often used alongside other tests to guide treatment decisions for cardiovascular risk assessment, inflammatory diseases, and post-procedural monitoring.

Short name

hsCRP (plasma)

Frequently asked questions

What does a high hsCRP level mean for my health?
A high hsCRP level suggests increased inflammation in your body, which may raise concerns about conditions like heart disease, infections, or autoimmune disorders. Your doctor will consider this alongside other factors to interpret results.
Can lifestyle changes affect hsCRP levels?
Yes, diet, exercise, and stress management can influence inflammation. Small lifestyle changes, such as eating anti-inflammatory foods or reducing stress, may help lower hsCRP levels over time.
Is hsCRP the same as a general CRP test?
No, hsCRP is a highly sensitive version of CRP that detects smaller amounts of inflammation, making it useful for detecting subtle changes in chronic conditions.
  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