Mobile Site ›
Print Page Email Page
Print Friendly View

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