C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test - Quantitative

A C-reactive Protein Test measures the level of CRP (produced by the liver) in your blood. CRP test helps monitor health issues linked to the inflammatory process that may be associated with infections, autoimmune conditions (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.), and long-term effects of smoking. It can help your doctor understand the severity of the disease and monitor ongoing therapy's effectiveness. Individuals can take this test as recommended by the doctor.

The C-reactive protein belongs to a class of proteins known as acute phase reactants. The acute-phase reactant increases in response to inflammatory conditions.

When the body is under threat by infection or other conditions, the liver releases CRP into the bloodstream. It is the body's defence mechanism against cellular intruders. CRP levels are responses to inflammatory reactions.

Chronic illnesses like autoimmune diseases might trigger the acute phase response. CRP is a positive acute-phase reactant since it is an early responder.

The CRP levels help doctors understand the severity of the inflammatory process, and the levels do not indicate the location of the inflammation.

The results of C reactive protein test are based on the analysis of blood samples. A blood sample can be collected at a hospital or laboratory.

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus Erythematosus, Sepsis, Cancer, Viral Infections

The CRP quantitative test measures the exact value of C-reactive protein in blood samples.

The liver produces and secretes C-reactive protein (CRP) in reaction to any inflammation in the body.

There is an elevation in CRP levels before the onset of acute inflammatory conditions. CRP test is suggested in people presenting acute inflammatory signs such as:

• High fever
• Increased heart rate
• Excessive sweating
• Shaking or trembling
• Persistent vomiting
• Acute diarrhoea
• Breathlessness
• Sudden rash or hives on the skin
• Swollen mouth or tongue
• Swollen or rashes on lips
• Dizziness
• Vertigo
• Severe body pain
• Muscle soreness
• Loss of consciousness

Some disease conditions for which CRP test is prescribed are:

• Atherosclerosis
• Irritable bowel syndrome
• Tissue injury
• Autoimmune diseases
• Post-surgery
• After physical trauma
• Heart attack
• Infections
• Sepsis
• Cancer
• Infection caused by bacteria or viruses
• Rheumatoid arthritis

CRP test is suggested in people with chronic inflammatory signs such as:

• Pain
• Frequent exhaustion
• Muscle stiffness and soreness
• Fever
• Chills with or without fever
• Frequent headaches
• Nausea and indigestion
• Sleeplessness or insomnia
• Unexplained weight loss
• Obesity
• Joint stiffness and pain

Your doctor may ask for a CRP test. CRP test to detect the severity of the inflammatory conditions. Doctors also suggest CRP tests to monitor the line of treatment in the above-listed disorders.

CRP levels in the blood decrease with a decrease in inflammation.

Ideally, CRP testing is done only on the advice of the doctor. The qualitative CRP test determines the presence or absence of inflammation.

In acute inflammatory conditions, quantitative CRP repetition helps assess prognosis.

Within four hours of any inflammatory process, CRP levels begin to rise. After 17 hours, CRP levels start falling if there is recovery and healing.

If CRP levels do not reduce within this duration, the CRP test is repeated. If CRP levels keep increasing, then doctors advise repeating it every day. Doctors may ask for repeating CRP on alternative days or twice a week if CRP levels show a gradual decrease.

CRP test repetition continues till their value falls within normal limits.

Before the Test

Usually, an CRP test requires no special test preparation. If you are getting this test done with another test, your healthcare provider may ask you to refrain from consuming certain food items. Always consult with your doctor before the test for best results.

During the Test

The blood sample will be drawn from a vein in your arm. Here’s what you can expect from the test:

• The area where the needle is going to be inserted is wiped clean with an antiseptic.
• A tourniquet band will be placed around your arm to make the veins more prominent.
• A needle will be inserted into the vein to draw the blood. This process might take a few seconds and during this course, you might sense a quick pinch.
• The blood will be collected in a vial or a small test tube with a label mentioning your details.

After the Test

Once the blood is collected:

• A bandage is placed over the puncture site to stop the bleeding.
• Minor bruising is common however, feeling dizzy is less common. You may be asked to sit for a few minutes.
• Get your healthcare provider if you experience bleeding, pain or rashes at the puncture site.

CRP test includes parameters of the quantity of C reactive protein.

Quantitative CRP test results give the exact value of C-reactive proteins in the blood.

There is only one parameter included in the CRP test. This value gives an idea about the inflammatory response of the body. Various values of CRP levels can give a clue about what could be the underlying cause. CRP levels indicate the presence of infection or injury.

If there is no inflammation in the body, the values will be within normal limits. CRP levels are used to monitor the treatment of infections.

If the body is fighting infection or recovering from trauma, values of CRP will be higher.

In acute conditions, weak defence and low recovery rate, CRP values will be abnormally high for a longer duration.

CRP quantitative tests measure C-reactive protein levels in blood samples.

The standard normal range of CRP is as follows:

• Recent injury or sickness can cause artificially elevated results.
• Mild CRP elevation can be there without any systemic or inflammatory illness.
• CRP levels are slightly higher in females and the elderly.
• Obesity, sleeplessness, pregnancy and smoking can all cause minor CRP levels.
• Certain medications, such as non-selective nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (Naproxen) can cause false low CRP levels.
• Magnesium supplements can lower CRP levels.

Therefore in people with these conditions, results should be interpreted carefully.

The test's normal values and reference ranges may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

After collecting samples, it may take some time for the results to arrive. The doctor is the person who can explain the results appropriately. A qualitative CRP-positive test result indicates increased CRP levels in the blood.

Increased levels of CRP indicate inflammation, which could result from an infection, trauma, autoimmune illnesses, malignancies and other factors.

The CRP within normal limits is present in most healthy adults.

Mild elevation in CRP levels may be due to:

• Diabetes
• Common cold
• Gingivitis
• Periodontitis
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Cigarette smoking
• Genetic polymorphisms
• Obesity

Moderate elevation in CRP levels indicates:

• Systemic inflammatory conditions
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Systemic lupus erythematosus
• Autoimmune diseases
• Malignancies (cancer)
• Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
• Pancreatitis
• Bronchitis

Marked elevation in CRP levels indicate:

• Acute bacterial infections
• Viral infections like COVID-19
• Systemic vasculitis
• Major trauma

Severe elevations of more than 50.0 mg/ dl are the result of acute bacterial infections.

Only the existence of an inflammatory condition can be detected using the CRP test. To identify the underlying diseases, additional tests and physical examinations are needed.

The price of a C-reactive protein (CRP) Test can fluctuate based on the location and chosen laboratory. Generally, the cost of a CRP test falls within the range of INR 380 to 1049. Let's take a look at the average cost of a CBC test in some major cities in India:

The CRP blood test is accompanied by a low chance of complications.

However, seek medical advice should these issues crop up

• Unabated bleeding at the blood-extraction site
• Pain or inflammation at the puncture.

Limitations of the test

• Potential inaccuracies due to equipment errors, or human mistakes
• Misinterpretation of markers resulting in unreliable conclusion