Description
Why It’s Done:
The CRP test is often ordered for the following reasons:
• Detect inflammation: Elevated CRP levels indicate that there is inflammation somewhere in the body. It is commonly used to monitor conditions such as:
o Infections (bacterial, viral, fungal)
o Rheumatoid arthritis
o Lupus (SLE)
o Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
o Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
o Pneumonia or other respiratory infections
• Monitor disease activity: The CRP test is used to track the progress of autoimmune diseases or chronic inflammatory conditions, helping to assess whether inflammation is getting worse or improving.
• Evaluate infection: CRP can be used to differentiate between viral and bacterial infections, as bacterial infections tend to cause higher CRP levels than viral ones.
• Assess risk for heart disease: The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is sometimes used to assess cardiovascular risk, as elevated CRP levels may indicate low-grade inflammation that contributes to the development of atherosclerosis (plaque buildup in arteries), which increases the risk of heart attack and stroke.
Common symptoms or conditions prompting a CRP test include:
• Fever or chills
• Pain, swelling, or redness in the joints or muscles
• Fatigue or general malaise
• Chest pain or discomfort (when assessing for heart disease risk)
• Abdominal pain (in cases of suspected IBD or infection)
Preparation:
• No fasting required: The CRP test generally does not require any special preparation, and you can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Medications: Inform your healthcare provider of any medications you are taking, as certain medications (such as anti-inflammatory drugs, steroids, or immunosuppressants) can affect CRP levels.
• Recent infections or injuries: If you have recently had an infection, surgery, or injury, these could lead to temporarily elevated CRP levels. Be sure to inform your doctor about any recent health issues that might influence your CRP results.
• Chronic conditions: If you have any chronic inflammatory conditions, your provider will take them into account when interpreting the results
