Blood Tests C Reactive Protein

Date:

Share post:

What Type Of Results Do You Get For A C

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test in 3 Minutes

Blood test reports, including CRP blood test reports, usually provide the following information:

  • The name of the blood test or what was measured in your blood.
  • The number or measurement of your blood test result.
  • The normal measurement range for that test.
  • Information that indicates if your result is normal or abnormal or high or low.

Who Should Get A Crp Test

If your doctor suspects you might have an inflammatory disorder like arthritis, cancer, an infection, etc., they may order a C-reactive protein test. This test can show theres a high level of inflammation, but it cannot show where the inflammation is located or what might be causing it. If you have been previously diagnosed with an inflammatory issue, your doctor may also order this test occasionally to see how your treatment is working and if the issue is being properly managed.

Its important to note that the high-sensitivity C-reactive protein test is a slightly different test than a regular C-reaction protein test. This test typically predicts heart disease and strokes. And while the regular C-reactive test can help to uncover different diseases that cause inflammation by measuring high levels of protein, the hs-CRP test measures a lower amount of protein, which can signal the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Your doctor may order an HS-CRP if theyre focusing on cardiovascular issues.

Why It Is Done

This test is used to:

  • Check for infection after surgery.
  • Find out if you have an increased chance of having a sudden heart problem, such as a heart attack.
  • Identify and keep track of infections and diseases that cause inflammation, such as:
  • Giant cell arteritis .
  • Rheumatoid arthritis .
  • Osteomyelitis .

Don’t Miss: Levels Of Structure In Proteins

Why Do Healthcare Providers Perform Crp Tests

Healthcare providers typically order a C-reactive protein test to help diagnose or rule out certain conditions, including:

  • Severe bacterial infections, such as .
  • Fungal infections.

Your provider may also use CRP tests to monitor your treatment if youve already been diagnosed with an infection or a chronic inflammatory condition.

CRP levels increase and decrease depending on how much inflammation your body has. If your CRP levels go down, it’s a sign that your treatment for the inflammation is working.

What Do The Results Mean

C

If your results show a high level of CRP, it probably means you have some type of inflammation in your body. A CRP test doesn’t explain the cause or location of the inflammation. So if your results are not normal, your health care provider may order more tests to figure out why you have inflammation.

A higher than normal CRP level does not necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. There are other factors that can raise your CRP levels. These include cigarette smoking, obesity, and lack of exercise.

If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.

Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

You May Like: Tropical Smoothie Plant Based Protein

What Does The Test Measure

The test measures the amount of CRP in your blood. CRP levels can reflect the presence and severity of inflammation in your body.

CRP is a protein produced by the liver. When bacteria or other cellular invaders threaten the body, the liver releases CRP into the bloodstream to help organize the bodys defenses. This early response is called an acute phase response. It is also referred to as inflammation or aninflammatory response. The acute phase response also can occur in chronic conditions, including some autoimmune diseases.

As an early responder, CRP is technically known as a positive acute phase reactant. Its level, measured from a blood sample, gives your doctor information about the presence of inflammation and how serious it is. However, CRP levels do not tell the doctor where in your body the inflammation is located or what is causing it.

High-sensitivity CRP testing is a different form of testing that identifies very low concentrations of CRP. Although both tests measure CRP, hs-CRP is considered a separate test with distinct uses.

What Is The Most Likely Cause

Chronically elevated CRP levels often signal RA or infectious arthritis, which occurs when a joint becomes infected.

Significantly elevated CRP levels tend to occur with severe infections, such as bacterial or fungal infections. Bacterial infection is responsible for about of the cases involving CRP levels higher than 50 mg/l.

Sometimes, higher levels also occur with certain cancers and other conditions that can cause significant inflammation.

Don’t Miss: Breakfast Food With High Protein

What Should You Do If You Have High Crp

Lowering your CRP isnt a guaranteed way to lower your risk of cardiovascular or autoimmune disease.

Its important to know that high CRP is what doctors call a biomarker. A biomarker is a factor to keep in mind when analyzing a persons health, but not a stand-alone indicator of a particular diagnosis.

A 2015 study indicates that eating a nutritious, balanced diet including lots of fruits, vegetables, and fiber may help lower your CRP concentration.

If youre at high risk of cardiovascular disease and your test results show high CRP, your doctor may suggest a statin or other cholesterol-lowering medication.

Vitamin C has also been explored as a way to lower CRP levels for people who have an elevated risk of cardiovascular disease.

A suggests that probiotics may also have a positive effect in lowering CRP.

However, more studies have to be done for each method before any definitive claims can be made.

To Diagnose And Monitor Inflammation

Doctor explains C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test!

The CRP test can be used to check for inflammation in your body. It is requested when your doctor suspects that you might have an inflammatory disorder. It does not show what is causing the inflammation or where the inflammation is located. It is requested for:

  • diagnosis to check whether you have an inflammatory condition such as arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease or other autoimmune disorders
  • monitoring if you have already been diagnosed with an inflammatory disorder, to monitor the disease and see how well your treatment is working. If your treatment is working well, and the inflammation lessens, the level of CRP in your blood will drop.

Also Check: What Is The Best Protein Bar

What Are The Complications Of Osteomyelitis

Complications of osteomyelitis include:

  • Abscesses: Infection may spread to muscles and soft tissue, causing abscesses. These pockets of pus can seep through your skin. People with chronic osteomyelitis are more likely to have recurring abscesses. Treatment to drain these abscesses may slightly increase the risk of skin cancer.
  • Bone death: Also called osteonecrosis, bone death can occur if swelling from the infection cuts off blood flow to your bone. Very rarely, this may lead to loss of a limb or amputation.
  • Stunted growth: Osteomyelitis in a growing child may stunt bone growth.

Why Do I Need A Crp Test

You may need this test if you have symptoms of a serious bacterial infection. Symptoms include:

If you’ve already been diagnosed with an infection or have a chronic disease, this test may be used to monitor your treatment. CRP levels rise and fall depending on how much inflammation you have. If your CRP levels go down, it’s a sign that your treatment for inflammation is working.

Read Also: High Protein Post Workout Meal

Where Can I Get A Crp Lab Test Done Near Me

You can order the CRP blood test by following these four simple steps.

Step 1: Go to our websites autoimmune disease tests or heart health blood tests sections. Then, type in and order the CRP test quantitative and download the lab test order, which serves as your doctors order for the lab procedure.

Step 2: Select a partner medical center through our lab locator.

Step 3: Visit the laboratory you chose to have your blood collected.

Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.

For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.

Should I Be Concerned If My Crp Level Is Abnormal

Healthy Life Labs to Present CRP Test Development at AACC Meeting in ...

If your CRP test results reveal that you have high levels of CRP, it doesn’t necessarily mean that you have a medical condition that needs treatment, especially if theyre only slightly elevated. Several factors, such as smoking, recent injury and certain health conditions, can raise your CRP levels. There couldve also been an error in the collection, transport or processing of the test.

If you have an abnormal result, your healthcare provider will discuss your results with you. They may order additional tests to determine the cause of your abnormal CRP levels.

A note from Cleveland Clinic

Seeing an abnormal test result can be stressful. Know that having an elevated CRP level doesnt necessarily mean you have a medical condition and need treatment. Approximately 1 in 20 healthy people will have results outside of the normal range. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need to have further tests to determine the cause of the abnormal level. Dont be afraid to ask your provider questions. Theyre available to help you.

Don’t Miss: Power Life Plant Protein Reviews

Who Should Take A C

Those who exhibit symptoms of inflammation should take the CRP blood test, which includes the following:

  • Muscle stiffness

If an infection causes inflammation, it could also be accompanied by fever, chills, loss of appetite, and fatigue. On the other hand, if the condition is due to a chronic illness, your doctor may also assess the degree of inflammation.

What Is The Normal Range For A Crp Test

Laboratories have different reference ranges for normal C-reactive protein levels. When you get your blood test results back, there will be information that indicates what that labs normal CRP range is.

In general, the normal CRP level is less than 0.9 milligrams per deciliter .

Many factors can affect your CRP level. Minor CRP level elevation may be due to the following conditions or situations:

People assigned female at birth and elderly people have naturally higher levels of CRP.

If you have any questions about your results, be sure to ask your healthcare provider.

Don’t Miss: Does Whey Protein Help You Lose Weight

What Does An Elevated C

Elevation of C-reactive protein indicates acute phase response or active disease in chronic inflammatory disorders. CRP is a more sensitive early indicator of an acute phase response than the ESR . C-reactive protein also returns towards normal more rapidly with improvement or resolution of the disease process.

C-reactive protein elevations are nonspecific and may be useful for the detection of systemic inflammatory processes to assess treatment of bacterial infections with antibiotics to detect intrauterine infections with concomitant premature rupture of membranes to differentiate between active and inactive forms of disease with concurrent infection, e.g., in patients suffering from systemic lupus erythematosus or ulcerative colitis to therapeutically monitor rheumatic disease and assess anti-inflammatory therapy to determine the presence of postoperative complications at an early stage, such as infected wounds, thrombosis, and pneumonia and to distinguish between infection and bone marrow rejection. Postoperative monitoring of CRP levels of patients can aid in the recognition of unexpected complications .

However, the C-reactive protein test is less sensitive than the ESR for some disorders, for example, ulcerative colitis and SLE .

Elevated of C-reactive protein test result means you have inflammation in the body. This may be due to a variety of conditions, including:

  • Rheumatic fever

Recommended Reading: Low Fat Low Protein Dog Food

Are There Any Risks From Crp Tests

C-Reactive Protein [CRP]: Structure, Functions, Clinical Significance & Blood Test Methods of CRP

A CRP test is a safe procedure with minimal risks. Some kids might feel faint or lightheaded from the test. A few kids and teens have a strong fear of needles. If your child is anxious, talk with the doctor before the test about ways to make the procedure easier.

A small bruise or mild soreness around the blood test site is common and can last for a few days. Get medical care for your child if the discomfort gets worse or lasts longer.

If you have questions about the CRP test, speak with your doctor or the health professional doing the blood draw.

Read Also: Is Whey Protein Powder Keto-friendly

What Are Periodontitis Symptoms

  • Ask you about your symptoms and medical history.
  • Examine your gums for signs of inflammation.
  • Use a special ruler to see if you have pockets around your teeth. This test won’t hurt.
  • Take an X-ray to check for bone loss, if necessary.
  • Possibly refer you to a periodontist, a specialist in gum disease.

What Should I Expect During My Crp Test

You can expect to experience the following during a blood test, or blood draw:

  • Youll sit in a chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. This is usually in the inner part of your arm on the other side of your elbow.
  • Once theyve located a vein, theyll clean and disinfect the area.
  • Theyll then insert a small needle into your vein to take a blood sample. This may feel like a small pinch.
  • After they insert the needle, a small amount of blood will collect in a test tube.
  • Once they have enough blood to test, theyll remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the site to stop the bleeding.
  • Theyll place a bandage over the site, and youll be finished.

The entire procedure usually takes less than five minutes.

Also Check: High-protein Breakfast No Eggs

How Is Osteomyelitis Managed Or Treated

A bone infection can take a long time to heal. The infection may clear up faster if you start treatment within three to five days of first noticing symptoms.

Treatments include:

  • Antibiotics: Antibiotics kill infection-causing bacteria. You may need antibiotics for four to eight weeks, starting with intravenous antibiotics in the hospital for a week or two. Youll then take medications by mouth for several weeks. Chronic infections may require months of antibiotics.
  • Antifungals: To treat fungal infections, you may need to take oral antifungal medications for months.
  • Needle aspiration: Your healthcare provider uses a fine needle to drain fluid and pus from the abscess.
  • Pain relievers: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs treat pain and inflammation.

Surgery is sometimes needed to treat bone infections. Youll need antibiotics after surgery. Surgical options include:

  • Bone surgery: Your healthcare provider surgically removes infected dead tissue and bone. This procedure may result in bone deformities.
  • Spine surgery: People with vertebral osteomyelitis may need spine surgery. This procedure keeps vertebrae from collapsing and damaging your spinal cord, nerves and other parts of your nervous system.

What Elevated Crp Levels Mean

CRP Test

When CRP levels remain elevated for a long time, it can indicate chronic inflammation of the blood vessels. This type of low-grade inflammation contributes to the deposit of fat and other substances in the artery walls, a condition called atherosclerosis.

This build-up can narrow the arteries that feed the heart blood, causing coronary artery disease . Over time, heart attack, stroke, or heart failure can occur. This is true even for those with elevated CRP levels who have no obvious symptoms or signs of active inflammation.

Inflammation is an important contributor to atherosclerosis and elevated CRP is associated with an increased risk of CAD. A study of 376 people found that 210 of them diagnosed with CAD all had elevated CRP levels when compared with 166 people who did not have CAD.

The CRP level increased in step with the degree of blood vessel damage evaluated by coronary angiography, an imaging test used to visualize blood flow through the heart.

Read Also: What Does C Reactive Protein Indicate

Can I Stay With My Child During A Crp Test

Parents usually can stay with their child during a blood test. Encourage your child to relax and stay still because tensing muscles can make it harder to draw blood. Your child might want to look away when the needle is inserted and the blood is collected. Help your child to relax by taking slow deep breaths or singing a favorite song.

When Should I Get A Crp

CRP testing is done primarily to detect or monitor health conditions that are associated with inflammation. For example, a CRP test may be recommended if you have signs and symptoms of:

  • Bacterial or viral infection
  • Autoimmune disease, including rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
  • Minor inflammation

There are no strict guidelines for when CRP testing is prescribed, so it is important to consult with your health care provider to determine if a CRP test is appropriate in your situation.

Also Check: Vegan Protein Powder Weight Gain

Ask A Laboratory Scientist

This form enables patients to ask specific questions about lab tests. Your questions will be answered by a laboratory scientist as part of a voluntary service provided by one of our partners, American Society for Clinical Laboratory Science. Please allow 2-3 business days for an email response from one of the volunteers on the Consumer Information Response Team.

How Can I Get A C

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test

CRP testing is typically performed only after being prescribed by a doctor or other health professional.

After your doctor orders a CRP test, the blood sample can be drawn at a hospital or clinic laboratory. In some cases, the sample might be collected at your doctors office. The measurement of CRP takes place in a laboratory.

You can order a CRP online from Testing.com with analysis performed by a Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments -approved lab.

Recommended Reading: Orgain Organic Protein Powder Vanilla

Addressing Your Risk Factors

A number of risk factors may contribute to CRP levels, and there may be benefits to taking steps to reduce your CRP levels. Treatment aimed at lowering CRP levels may reduce cardiovascular risk, but researchers are still working to understand these relationships.

Elevated CRP levels are almost always associated with other risk factors for heart disease, including:

Talk to your healthcare provider about your heart disease risk factors and what can be done to address them and your CRP levels.

This may involve habit changes, weight loss efforts, and/or medication.

Elevated CRP is associated with increased risk of heart disease. While it’s uncertain how much reducing CRP itself can help, elevated levels are a sign that you likely have other risk factors that need to be addressed with aggressive measures.

Related articles