C-reactive protein (CRP) – High-sensitivity, serum/plasma concentration
This test measures a protein called C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a marker that helps your body detect inflammation, often used to check for signs of infection, injury, or other inflammatory conditions.
["hs-CRP helps identify low-level inflammation that may not show up with standard tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26409-3
- Short code
- Silver Birch IgG4 Qn
- Synonyms
- Silver Birch IgG4 Qn
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- 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
Why Is This Test Done?
Healthcare providers may order hs-CRP to assess risk for conditions like heart disease, especially if you have risk factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart problems. It can also help monitor chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory diseases.
What Does a High or Low Result Mean?
Results are not given in absolute numbers because reference ranges vary by lab. A higher than normal hs-CRP level may indicate increased inflammation, which could signal an ongoing health issue. A very low level might suggest no significant inflammation is present.
How Is This Test Performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The blood is sent to a lab where it is analyzed using a sensitive immunoassay method to measure CRP levels.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Increased CRP levels can be caused by infections (like colds or flu), injuries, surgeries, or certain medications. Chronic conditions such as autoimmune diseases or heart disease may also lead to higher CRP levels. Low levels may occur if inflammation is minimal or if the test was not appropriate for your condition.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: hs-CRP plays a key role in assessing cardiovascular risk and guiding preventive care. It helps doctors tailor treatments to reduce inflammation-related risks, especially in patients with risk factors for heart disease.
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What does hs-CRP measure?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect hs-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