C-reactive protein, serum/plasma concentration (high-sensitivity)
This test measures a protein in your blood that rises when your body is fighting inflammation or infection.
["hs-CRP helps track inflammation, often used alongside other tests for heart disease or autoimmune conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 48034-3
- Short code
- WBC nRBC cor # CSF
- Synonyms
- WBC nRBC cor # CSF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.5
- Ref high
- 11
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 30 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85004
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your doctor may order hs-CRP to monitor chronic conditions like heart disease, rheumatoid arthritis, or other inflammatory disorders. It can also help assess risk after a heart attack or during recovery from surgery. Some doctors use it to guide treatment plans for conditions where inflammation plays a role.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast for 8–12 hours before the draw if your lab uses a fasting protocol. Wear comfortable clothing with an easy armhole for blood collection. If you’re on blood thinners, check with your doctor first.
What Happens During the Test?
A healthcare provider will insert a small needle into your arm to draw a small amount of blood. The sample is sent to a lab for analysis. Results are typically ready within 24 hours.
What the Results Mean
Results are compared to a general reference range, but your doctor will interpret them in the context of your health history and other tests. High levels may signal inflammation, while low levels suggest reduced inflammation risk.
Reference range
Adult: 4.5-11.0 x 10^9/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
High hs-CRP levels often indicate underlying inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like atherosclerosis (hardening of arteries), autoimmune diseases, or infections. It’s not a diagnostic test for specific conditions but can guide preventive care or treatment adjustments. Doctors may use it alongside other markers to assess overall health risk.
Short name
hs-CRP
Frequently asked questions
What causes hs-CRP levels to change?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes lower hs-CRP?
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