C-reactive protein (CRP) by nephelometry (serum/plasma)
This test measures the level of C-reactive protein, a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation in your body.
["CRP helps doctors assess inflammation, often used to monitor conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or heart disease."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 92775-6
- Short code
- S lugdunensis DNA Bld Pos Ql NAA+probe
- Synonyms
- S lugdunensis DNA Bld Pos Ql NAA+probe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- probe-amp-tar
- 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 CRP testing to check for signs of inflammation, monitor chronic conditions, or evaluate symptoms like fever, joint pain, or swelling. It can also help guide treatment decisions for conditions like arthritis, heart disease, or infections.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw a blood sample. If you’re on blood thinners, let your provider know before the test.
What the Results Mean
Higher CRP levels often indicate inflammation, which can be caused by infections, injuries, or certain diseases. Lower levels suggest less inflammation. Your results will be compared to a reference range specific to your health and medical history.
Common Conditions Monitored
CRP is commonly used to monitor conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, heart disease, or infections. It can also help track how well treatments are working.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CRP is a sensitive marker for inflammation and is widely used in clinical settings to guide diagnosis and management of inflammatory diseases, infections, and cardiovascular risk assessment. While it doesn’t pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, it provides a broad overview of systemic inflammatory activity.
Short name
CRP (Serum/Plasma)
Frequently asked questions
What causes CRP levels to change?
How long does it take to get results?
Can diet or exercise 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