Inflammation is part of your body’s natural defense mechanism in response to injury, infection or irritants created to combat and fix the damage or symptom.
This high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) blood inflammation test measures the level of the C-reactive protein: a substance made by the liver in response to inflammation. The results of this inflammation test may indicate the presence of an illness, injury or infection. Elevated CRP levels are associated with several diseases and conditions including chronic inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer.
Note: CRP levels can be elevated from intense exercise (weight training or a long run), recent injury, illnesses or infection. Further testing and clinical consultation with a health care provider may be required to determine the source of CRP elevation.
Preparation: No special preparation is needed.
Studies show that there is a positive correlation between high CRP levels and the probability of having a heart attack.¹,²
Studies show that there is a positive correlation between high CRP levels and the probability of having a heart attack.¹,²
If you are experiencing unexplained fatigue, frequent infection, ongoing muscle or joint aches and pain, or any GI symptoms, this test may provide insight about your health.
An hs-CRP test can be an excellent first step in determining if you need to seek medical advice or additional testing for a suspected chronic disease associated with inflammation or if you are at an increased risk for heart disease.¹,²
Studies show you can effectively lower your CRP (when levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk) with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Studies show you can effectively lower your CRP (when levels indicate increased cardiovascular risk) with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
You can reduce CRP levels by taking statins, which may be a treatment option under the guidance of a healthcare provider.1
1. Harvard Health Publishing. C-Reactive Protein Test to Screen for Heart Disease: Why Do We Need Another Test? Harvard Health Publishing website. Updated March 21, 2017. Accessed October 27, 2022. www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/c-reactive-protein-test-to-screen-for-heart-disease
2. Mayo Clinic. C-reactive protein test. Mayo Clinic website. Updated June, 2021. Accessed July 10, 2023. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-reactive-protein-test/about/pac-20385228
<p>1. Harvard Health Publishing. C-Reactive Protein Test to Screen for Heart Disease: Why Do We Need Another Test? Harvard Health Publishing website. Updated March 21, 2017. Accessed October 27, 2022. <a href="http://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/c-reactive-protein-test-to-screen-for-heart-disease" target="_blank" title="C-Reactive Protein Test to Screen for Heart Disease">www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/c-reactive-protein-test-to-screen-for-heart-disease</a></p> <p>2. Mayo Clinic. C-reactive protein test. Mayo Clinic website. Updated June, 2021. Accessed July 10, 2023. <a href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-reactive-protein-test/about/pac-20385228" target="_blank" title="C-reactive protein test">https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/c-reactive-protein-test/about/pac-20385228</a></p>
Measures (at high sensitivity) the level of C-reactive protein: a substance made by the liver in response to inflammation.
View your easy-to-read results online in your Labcorp Patient™ account, including Linked Accounts. For certain results that require prompt attention, you will also be contacted by phone or mail.
Elevated CRP levels are associated with several diseases and conditions including chronic inflammation, heart disease, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain cancers.
It’s important to have your levels measured by a hs-CRP test, as studies have shown that high levels of hs-CRP in the blood could lead to an increased risk of heart attacks.2
Your hs-CRP levels fluctuate over time. Repeating inflammation tests like this one should be based on your risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Your provider can help you understand this risk.
The frequency of testing is determined by your medical history, but an elevated hs-CRP level should be repeated. You should consult with your provider if you have an elevated result to discuss if and when you should take another test.
Your testing will be performed in a CLIA-certified clinical laboratory. Labcorp provides leading-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and specialty testing laboratories. Our labs perform regular quality assurance testing to ensure our results are accurate.
Your results will be provided to you through our secure online portal to view or print. Results are also provided to PWNHealth, which provides professional healthcare provider services for OnDemand tests. If you are accessing your results through your Labcorp Patient account, all users linked to the account will have access to all OnDemand test results. Results may also be provided to a local, state, or federal health authority, but only when legally required. For example, many states require the testing laboratory and healthcare provider to report test results for certain communicable diseases, such as sexually transmitted diseases or COVID-19, to local or state health departments.
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