Test ID: CRP
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum
Useful For
Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful
Detecting systemic inflammatory processes
Detecting infection and assessing response to antibiotic treatment of bacterial infections
Differentiating between active and inactive disease forms with concurrent infection
Clinical Information
Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test
C-reactive protein (CRP) is 1 of the most sensitive acute-phase reactants for inflammation. CRP is synthesized by the liver and consists of 5 identical polypeptide chains that form a 5-membered ring with a molecular weight of 120,000 daltons. CRP levels can increase dramatically (100-fold or more) after severe trauma, bacterial infection, inflammation, surgery, or neoplastic proliferation. CRP has been used to assess activity of inflammatory disease, to detect infections after surgery, to detect transplant rejection, and to monitor these inflammatory processes.
Reference Values
Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.
< or =8.0 mg/L
Interpretation
Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results
Elevated values are consistent with an acute inflammatory process.
Cautions
Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances
Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) values are nonspecific and should not be interpreted without a complete clinical history.
Oral contraceptives may increase CRP levels.
HSCRP/82047 C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity, Serum is the appropriate CRP test to order to assess risk of cardiovascular disease or events.
Clinical Reference
Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature
Tietz NW, Burtis CA, Ashwood ER: In Tietz Textbook of Clinical Chemistry. Third edition. Edited by CA Burtis, ER Ashwood. Philadelphia, WB Saunders Company, 1999


