Test guide
C-Reactive Protein (CRP / hs-CRP)
An acute-phase protein that rises rapidly during inflammation; used to detect and monitor infection and inflammatory disease.
What it is for
Supports the detection of bacterial infection and sepsis, monitors inflammatory disease activity and treatment response, and — in its high-sensitivity format — contributes to cardiovascular risk assessment alongside other risk factors.
Limitations
CRP is non-specific: it rises with infection, tissue injury, surgery, and chronic inflammatory states alike. Values do not localise infection or distinguish bacterial from viral causes on their own. hs-CRP cardiovascular use requires repeated measurements and formal risk framing.
Before you test
No special preparation. Report recent surgery, injury, infection, or vaccination, which can raise values.
Health information only. This guide does not diagnose or replace advice from a healthcare professional.
Also known as
- CRP
- hs-CRP
- high-sensitivity CRP
Reviewed products
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