CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein) |#MTP|

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant in inflammation. It is useful for the detection and evaluation of infection, sepsis, tissue injury, inflammatory disorders and associated diseases. CRP protein is synthesized in the liver and released into the blood when there is inflammation in the body. Whenever you get hurt or infected by a virus or bacteria, your immune system gets activated. The activation releases inflammatory cells and cytokines. These cells engulf the virus or bacteria and lead to pain, swelling, redness, or flare. Some inflammations, however, cannot be visualized by the naked eye, such as the joints. When your joints get hurt or inflamed, your liver releases CRP. Under normal conditions, your body has low levels of CRP in the blood. However, during inflammation, there may be moderate to severe elevation. A CRP test helps to detect this. 

Reasons for Undergoing the CRP Test

The CRP test, or the C-reactive protein test, is a valuable diagnostic tool that plays a key role in detecting and monitoring inflammation in the body. Here are several reasons why you may need to undergo a CRP test:

• Checking for infections: A CRP test is commonly used to detect bacterial or viral infections, including severe conditions like sepsis. Elevated CRP levels can indicate the presence of an infection, allowing healthcare providers to take timely action.
• Monitoring autoimmune diseases: The CRP test is crucial in tracking the flare-ups of chronic inflammatory autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis. By monitoring CRP levels, doctors can adjust treatment plans accordingly.
• Assessing treatment effectiveness: If you're undergoing treatment for an inflammatory condition, the CRP test helps determine the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory medications or other therapies, guiding adjustments as needed.
• Evaluating cardiovascular risk: The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). This test can assess the likelihood of having a heart attack by detecting even slight increases in CRP levels associated with inflammation in blood vessels.
• Monitoring chronic conditions: The CRP test is also valuable for monitoring chronic inflammatory conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (such as Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis), lung diseases, and more.
• Pregnancy and infections: During pregnancy, a CRP test may be recommended to check for potential infections if the waters break early, helping to ensure the health of both mother and baby.
• Inflammation and other health issues: While the CRP test is not specific for cancer detection, elevated CRP levels can indicate inflammation that may be associated with various health issues, including cancer.

List of Parameters Considered During the CRP Test

The CRP test primarily measures the level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood. Here's what the parameters indicate:

• CRP Level: This is the main parameter measured, indicating the presence and severity of inflammation in the body.
  • Normal Levels (less than 5 mg/L or 0.3 mg/dL): Minimal or no inflammation
  • Minor Elevation (0.3 to 1.0 mg/dL): Mild inflammation or non-specific causes such as high BMI or minor autoimmune disease activity
  • Moderate Elevation (1.0 to 10 mg/dL): Moderate inflammation due to infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions
  • Marked Elevation (greater than 10 mg/dL): Significant inflammation associated with acute bacterial infections, systemic vasculitis, or major trauma
• High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): This parameter assesses cardiovascular disease risk. Levels less than 1.0 mg/L indicate low risk, 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L suggest moderate risk, and greater than 3.0 mg/L indicate high risk.