C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
A simple blood test that measures inflammation in your body—useful for infections, autoimmune conditions, and heart disease risk.
Test Information
Reports In
Same day (5-6 hours)
Parameters
1
Requisites
Blood Sample
Sample Type
Blood
Measures
Serum C-reactive protein (CRP) level—a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue damage.
Identifies
Acute infections (bacterial, viral), inflammation (arthritis, autoimmune, post-surgery), and when combined with lipid profile—high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) indicates increased cardiovascular risk.
What is the CRP Test?
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation anywhere in the body. CRP rises rapidly within hours of an infection or injury and falls quickly as the condition resolves. It's one of the most reliable and sensitive markers of active inflammation, infection, or tissue damage.
Why Should You Take This Test?
CRP rises quickly with infection or inflammation—useful for fever workup and monitoring treatment response. In India, chronic low-grade inflammation from sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor diet contributes to heart disease. hs-CRP (when available) adds to cardiovascular risk assessment.
Who Should Get Tested?
Unexplained Fever
CRP helps quantify the severity of infection.
Autoimmune Disease Patients
Monitors disease flare-ups in conditions like RA and lupus.
Post-Surgery Monitoring
Tracks recovery and detects post-surgical infections.
Suspected Infection
CRP distinguishes bacterial infections from viral ones.
Warning Signs — When Should You Get This Test?
Common Conditions Detected
Frequently Booked Together
Tests commonly ordered alongside CRP for a complete picture
ESR
Another inflammation marker — CRP responds faster
CBC
WBC count helps differentiate type of infection
hs-CRP
High-sensitivity CRP for cardiovascular risk assessment
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