C-reactive protein (CRP) testing measures the level of CRP in the blood, a marker that indicates inflammation in the body. Raised CRP levels can signal acute inflammation, infections, or chronic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and heart disease. This test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions, detect flare-ups, and assess cardiovascular risk. Regular CRP testing helps guide treatment decisions and evaluate how effectively therapies are reducing inflammation.
Individuals experiencing symptoms of infection or inflammation, those with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and individuals at risk of or managing cardiovascular diseases would benefit from a CRP test.
The main difference between hs-CRP and CRP tests lies in their sensitivity. hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) is more sensitive and can detect lower levels of inflammation, making it suitable for assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, the standard CRP test is used to detect higher levels of inflammation, typically for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A high CRP level can indicate an acute infection, inflammation, or an exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory condition. It may also suggest an increased risk of heart disease.
No, the CRP test is not specific to any one disease. It measures general inflammation in the body, which can be due to various causes.