Also Known As:
CRP Test, CRP Quantitative Blood Test
Purpose of the CRP Blood Test
A CRP quantitative blood test evaluates inflammation linked to bacterial infection, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other chronic inflammatory diseases. It’s part of the standard tests for autoimmune disorders.
Additionally, your doctor might order the CRP quant blood test or the CRP high-sensitivity blood test to assess your risk for a heart attack.
What Does the CRP Test Measure?
The CRP blood test measures c-reactive protein or CRP levels in your blood. Released by the liver in the bloodstream, CRP rapidly increases during an inflammatory activity in the body, making it a perfect marker for inflammation.
Injuries and infections often lead to inflammation, as it is a natural response of the immune system to eliminate foreign invaders that could cause harm. It also allows for speedy tissue repair and recovery.
However, long-term inflammation could entail chronic diseases and specific autoimmune disorders. Hence, a CRP lab test aids in diagnosing, treating, and assessing risk for said conditions.
Who Should Take a C-Reactive Protein Test?
Those who exhibit symptoms of inflammation should take the CRP blood test, which includes the following:
- Joint pain
- Swelling
- Redness
- Muscle stiffness
If an infection causes inflammation, it could also be accompanied by fever, chills, loss of appetite, and fatigue. On the other hand, if the condition is due to a chronic illness, your doctor may also assess the degree of inflammation.
C-Reactive Protein Blood Test Preparation
No special preparation, such as fasting, is needed before the blood collection. However, if you’re taking anti-inflammatory medications, consult your doctor first, as you may need to skip the intake to ensure test accuracy.
C-Reactive Protein Lab Test Results
A normal CRP level ranges from 0 to 10 mg/L. If your report shows beyond this reference interval, it most likely confirms inflammation.
If you have high c-reactive protein, you can make several changes in your lifestyle to naturally lower your CRP levels. On top of that, consult your doctor for other lab tests to detect the root cause of the inflammation.
While the CRP test verifies inflammatory activities, it does not detect the degree and cause of the condition. For this reason, it is often taken together with other diagnostic tests, such as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test.
Where Can I Get a CRP Lab Test Done Near Me?
You can order the CRP blood test by following these four simple steps.
Step 1: Go to our website’s autoimmune disease tests or heart health blood tests sections. Then, type in and order the CRP test quantitative and download the lab test order, which serves as your doctor’s order for the lab procedure.
Step 2: Select a partner medical center through our lab locator.
Step 3: Visit the laboratory you chose to have your blood collected.
Step 4: Expect the lab test results within 2-10 business days in your Personalabs account.
For an exact turnaround time for results, please contact us at 1-888-438-5227. We will contact the lab of your choice (Quest Diagnostics or LabCorp) as turnaround times vary depending on testing location or lab testing provider.
