C - reactive protein (CRP) Test
About CRP Test
A C - reactive protein (CRP) test determines the amount of C - reactive protein (CRP) in a blood sample. CRP is a protein produced by the liver. Normally, blood contains low levels of C - reactive protein. The liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream when the body is inflamed. High CRP levels may indicate several serious health conditions. Healthcare providers use this test to screen the level of CRP in your blood and detect any disease.
Functions of C-reactive protein
Anti-infective:
·      Helps in phagocytosis(Killing of microorganisms)
·      Activation of the complement system (Immune mechanism)
Anti-inflammatory:
·      Prevents systemic inflammation
·      Helps in the release of anti-inflammatory substances
·      Aids in the production of tissue factors
A C-reactive protein test is done to determine the level of CRP in the blood. This test is used by healthcare providers to help diagnose and monitor various causes of inflammation. Thus, getting your CRP test is recommended to know the risk of developing various health problems.
What are the tests for CRP?
CRP is an acute–phase protein produced by the liver in response to cytokine production (IL-1, IL-6, tumour necrosis factor) during tissue injury, inflammation or infection.
A CRP test is available in two types which include:
The standard C-reactive protein test: This test determines the level of C - reactive protein, which can increase up to 1,000-fold in response to infection or tissue destruction but cannot assess the normal range.
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) test: This test detects normal CRP levels, which have been shown to predict future cardiovascular events.
What is a CRP test used for?
CRP test is used in the diagnosis of:
Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Autoimmune diseases
Digestive diseases
Lung diseases
Coronary heart diseases
Covid-19 patient’s response to treatment
Who should get tested?
CRP test is recommended to be performed frequently for individuals if the following symptoms and risk factors present:
Fever or chills
Increased heart rate
Rapid breathing
Nausea and vomiting
Being overweight or obese
Smoking
Skin infections
Test Preparation
During this blood test, a healthcare professional will take a small amount of blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle, which is collected into a test tube or vial. This usually takes less than a few minutes. Some medications may have an impact on your test results. As a result, inform your healthcare provider about any supplements or medications you use. Do not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your healthcare provider.
Standard CRP - Interpretation of results
|
Range of CRP levels |
  Inference |
|
0.5-3.0mg/L |
Normal |
|
3 -10 mg/L |
Normal or slightly elevated |
|
10 -100mg/L |
Moderately elevated |
|
>100mg/L |
Markedly elevated |
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                      High-sensitivity CRP-Interpretation of results
|
Range of CRP levels |
  Inference |
|
0.5-Â 1.0mg/L |
Low risk of coronary artery disease |
|
1 -3mg/L |
Moderate risk of coronary artery disease |
|
>3 mg/L |
High risk of coronary artery disease |
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Deviation from normal levels indicates the following:
·      CRP test is used by healthcare providers to help diagnose and monitor various causes of inflammation, including infections, certain autoimmune conditions and risk of coronary heart diseases.
·      CRP levels between 1-3mg/L are indicators of good health.
·      CRP levels between 3-10mg/L indicate initiation of tissue damage.
·      A CRP test result ranging from 10 to 100 mg/dL is considered moderately elevated. This result could point to any of the following conditions:
o  Systemic inflammation caused by rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or other autoimmune diseases
o  Heart attack (myocardial infarction)
o  Pancreatitis
o  Bronchitis
·      A CRP test result of more than 100 mg/dL is considered a significant elevation. This result could point to any of the following conditions:
o  Bacterial infections that are severe
o  Infections caused by viruses
o  Vasculitis throughout the body
o  Serious injury (trauma)
·      Higher levels of CRP may indicate Systemic inflammation, which may be linked to pre-diabetes, diabetes, insulin resistance, and conditions associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
·       High CRP levels may also indicate a long-term infection.
FAQs
What is the significance of the CRP test?
A CRP test may be used to detect or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions, such as bacterial or viral infections, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, etc. Inflammatory bowel disease refers to gastrointestinal disorders such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. Systemic lupus and rheumatoid arthritis are examples of autoimmune disorders
What factors might affect my test results?
Factors like obesity, lack of exercise, cigarette smoking, minor injuries, and conditions like pregnancy, and diabetes can rise your CRP levels slightly above normal. Also, certain medications like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, aspirin, and steroids can lower your CRP levels below normal. So, it is recommended that consult your healthcare provider before getting a CRP test
How can I lower my CRP test result?
Exercise, weight loss, and dietary control are the most effective ways to lower your CRP levels. Although all diets for weight loss will lower CRP levels; proven ones include the Mediterranean diet, Atkins diet, Zone diet, Ornish diet, and Weight Watchers. There are specific food groups that reduce CRP levels: Berries (strawberries, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries) salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, and anchovies are examples of fatty fish
What is the risk group for having high CRP?
There is a higher risk for people who:
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·      are in their third trimester of pregnancy
·      use oral contraception
·      have hormone replacement therapy
·      are obese
How long does it take for CRP to normalise?
CRP responds quickly to infection and inflammation, increasing within hours of the stimulus and rapidly returning to normal after resolution. CRP typically rises within 4-6 hours of stimulus, peaks within 36-50 hours, and returns to normal within 3-7 days of resolution
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