C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test in Chennai - Price & Details

The C-Reactive Protein test is a quantitative test that measures the levels of C-reactive protein in your blood. It is a protein produced by the liver in direct response to inflammation. A rise in CRP levels may indicate the presence of an injury, infection, or autoimmune disorder. CRP is a non-specific inflammation marker that does not pinpoint the exact cause of the inflammation. It requires further tests to confirm a diagnosis. The CRP test is done using a routine blood sample collection procedure and usually with no fasting requirement.

CRP levels rise and fall rapidly in response to inflammation and treatment. Therefore, the test is used to assess inflammatory conditions and monitor ongoing treatment response.

Signs that may suggest the need for a CRP test include:

• Fever or chills
• Nausea and vomiting
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Joint pain
• Pain or swelling
• Fatigue or weakness

Your doctor may order this test for you in the following situations:

• To help diagnose suspected acute or chronic inflammation
• To monitor treatment response for an existing infection or chronic illness
• Post-surgery evaluation
• Heart disease risk, which specifically requires the hs-CRP test 

The Frequency of the CRP test can vary depending on your clinical condition or the purpose for which the test has been advised. Refer to the table below for more details:

The CRP test is a sensitive marker of inflammation, but it does not pinpoint the specific cause of inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may indicate the presence of the following conditions:

• Infections - Acute viral or bacterial infections such as hepatitis, tuberculosis, or dengue
• Autoimmune disorders - Rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Inflammatory disorders - Pancreatitis, bronchitis, or inflammatory bowel disease
• Post-operative infection - Complications after the surgery
• Malignancies - Cancers like gastric, lung, or colorectal cancer
• Sepsis - Severe life-threatening infection
• Trauma - Injury, trauma, or burns

Disclaimer- The above information is for educational purposes only. Always consult an expert for a better understanding of your condition.

What to Expect Before the Test

• No fasting is required before the test.
• Always inform your doctor about any supplements and medications before the test. 
• Consult your healthcare provider for any special instructions before the test.

What to Expect During the Sample Collection

A blood sample is required for the CRP test. You can expect the following during sample collection:

1. An elastic band is tied around your upper arm for better access to your veins.
2. A needle is inserted into a vein in the inner arm to collect the blood sample.
3. A bandage is placed over the puncture site to stop any minor bleeding.

What to Expect After the Test

• This blood sample collection procedure is usually safe with minimal to no risks. 
• Feeling dizzy for a few seconds is normal and usually goes away with little rest.

Note: If you notice anything unusual at the puncture site, such as persistent bleeding, a rash, or pain, consult your healthcare provider.

The CRP test measures a single parameter, i.e., C-reactive protein.

C-reactive protein:

• It is measured in milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL).
•  It is a protein synthesised by the liver in response to inflammation.
• It rises rapidly in response to inflammation and falls promptly as treatment begins.
• It is non-specific and does not pinpoint the exact cause or location of the inflammation.
• Elevated levels may indicate the presence of injury, infections, cancers, or autoimmune disorders.
• Obesity, smoking, pregnancy, and gum disease may contribute to mildly elevated CRP levels.

CRP levels are expressed in mg/dl, and the levels can be influenced by age, obesity, lifestyle, or smoking.

Refer to the table below for the normal reference ranges:

Important Note: The normal values and reference ranges may vary slightly from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in your report and consult your doctor to understand what these numbers mean for your health.

The CRP test results do not confirm a diagnosis on their own and are always evaluated along with clinical symptoms or follow-up tests under an expert’s guidance. 

The table below provides a broad overview of the potential conditions associated with different levels of CRP elevation:

Disclaimer: This table is for educational purposes and provides a risk assessment only. These findings do not confirm a diagnosis. Many factors, such as age, gender, medicines, obesity, and exercise habits, can affect CRP levels. Always consult your doctor to understand how these results relate to your symptoms and overall health.

The standalone CRP test does not confirm any diagnosis and requires further evaluation. Follow-up tests that might be recommended by your doctor based on your medical history are listed below:

• Complete blood count (CBC) - checks for anaemia, infections, or blood disorders
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)- assesses chronic inflammation
• hsCRP - a highly sensitive inflammation marker used to detect cardiovascular risk
• Lipid profile test- evaluates heart health by measuring lipid levels
• Rheumatoid factor - checks for rheumatoid arthritis
• Anti-nuclear antibody test (ANA) - screens for autoimmune disorders 

Several factors contribute to the fluctuation in the cost of a CRP test. In Chennai, the usual price of a CRP test on PharmEasy is around INR 509, though it may vary slightly depending on offers and location. For further information, consider comparing CRP test prices in various major Indian cities.

You can book the CRP Test in Chennai through PharmEasy with convenient home sample collection across several localities, including :

• Anna Nagar
• T. Nagar
• Adyar
• Velachery
• Nungambakkam
• Mylapore
• Alwarpet
• Besant Nagar
• Tambaram
• Porur
• Guindy
• Saidapet
• Kodambakkam
• Ashok Nagar
• Kilpauk
• Perambur
• Thiruvanmiyur
• Sholinganallur
• Medavakkam
• Perungudi

You can also check service availability during purchase by entering your pin code.