Understanding Your CRP Test Results Interpretation: A Comprehensive Guide

The CRP measures the amount of CRP in your blood. This type of protein is associated with inflammation in the body. CRP is measured by using a small blood sample from your arm.

The liver produces the C-creative protein or CRP. The CRP level rises when there is a feeling of inflammation in your body. LDL cholesterol coats the artery walls and damages the arteries as well. This damage causes inflammation that the body tries to heal by sending a response team of proteins. These proteins are known as acute phase reactants, and CRP is one of those proteins.

Your healthcare provider usually prescribe a CRP test if you have inflammation in your body. They also suggest CRP levels to treat bacterial infection, or to monitor inflammatory procedures that occur in some autoimmune diseases.

If you have a high cholesterol level, you will be suggested for a CRP test to lower the LDL cholesterol in your blood. LDL or bad cholesterol creates plaque that clogs your arteries. This condition can lead to a stroke or a heart attack.

According to research, only 50% of people who have high LDL levels have faced heart attacks. Hence, besides cholesterol tests, doctors also suggest C-reactive protein tests to figure out the root cause.

What is a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test?

CRP protein test measures the CRP levels in your blood. It is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation in your body. This particular test helps to diagnose and monitor various conditions like lupus, arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. This test also helps to assess the risk of heart disease.

When the human body encounters an offending agent like bacteria, viruses, or toxic chemicals, it activates your immune system. The immune system sends out its first responders: inflammatory and cytokines. These cells start an inflammatory response to trap bacteria and other offending agents.

It also heals the injured tissue. As a result, you can face pain, bruising, swelling, or redness. The inflammation in body also affects body systems that you can't see, such as your joints. Elevated levels of CRP levels are a sign of a serious or other inflammatory condition.

Why Do I Need a CRP Test?

Your healthcare provider prescribes a CRP test if you have inflammation symptoms like chills, pain, or fever in the body. A doctor also suggests a CRP test to detect or monitor health conditions linked to inflammation. CRP levels help to guide the treatment of bacterial infection. A CRP test also helps to assess the risk of heart disease.

Usually, healthcare providers suggest a C-reactive protein test to diagnose or rule out specific conditions that include;

  • Osteomyelitis (infection of bone)
  • Severe bacterial infections, such as sepsis
  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
  • Fungal infections
  • Autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
  • Some forms of arthritis
  • Pelvic inflammatory disease

Healthcare providers also use CRP tests to monitor people after surgery or other invasive procedures. It is required to check for any infection during their recovery period. Only a CRP test can't diagnose a condition or the source of inflammation. Hence, healthcare providers usually suggest additional tests to diagnose the inflammation source.

What Happens During a CRP Test?

During a CRP test, a healthcare professional takes a blood sample from a vein using a small needle. The needle insertion process may cause a slight sting. This blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis. The procedure usually takes less than five minutes. You can also feel a little pain or bruising at the particular spot where the needle was put in. However, the pain goes away quickly.

Preparing for a CRP Test

Your doctor will let you know what you need to do for a CRP test. However, in most cases, you won't need any special preparation. You can expect the following things during a CRP test

  • First of all, you need to sit in a chair, and your healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. The vein is usually found in the inner part of your arm.
  • Once the provider locates the vein, they will clean and disinfect the area.
  • Then they will insert a needle into your vein to take the blood sample. It may feel like a small pinch.
  • After inserting the needle, the provider will collect the blood in a test tube.
  • Once they get a sufficient amount of blood to test, they will remove the needle and hold a cotton ball on the site to stop bleeding.
  • The test provider will place a bandage over the site, and the process is done.

The entire test procedure will take less than five minutes.

Some particular medicines can affect your CRP levels. Hence, you need to tell your healthcare provider about any supplements or medicines that you take. You don't need to stop taking your prescribed medicines without talking with your healthcare provider.

There is very little risk of having a blood test. The CRP test results will let you know how much inflammation you have in your body. Your healthcare provider may give you particular instructions to prepare for the test.

Understanding CRP Test Results

Your test result shows the CRP level in your blood. The CRP level is expressed in milligrams per deciliter or milligrams per liter. Abnormal levels of CRP indicate that your body is experiencing inflammation, which can be caused by many different things.

A high CRP level may indicate a high risk of heart disease. In such a condition, your healthcare provider may use the CRP test to monitor your condition and treatment. A low CRP level means that your inflammation is decreasing or your treatment for the inflammation is not working.

What is the Normal Range for the CRP Test?

Laboratories have various reference ranges for normal CRP levels. The considerable CRP level is usually less than 0.9 milligrams per deciliter. However, several factors affect the CRP level, including sex, age, and certain medical conditions. If you have any questions about your CRP test results, you can consult with your healthcare provider.

The Takeaway

Here, we have mentioned all the required information about the CRP test. You should know that a high CRP level means that you have some type of inflammation in your body. A CRP test can't detect the source of your inflammation.

In such a condition, your healthcare provider suggests additional tests if your result shows a high CRP level. High CRP levels can indicate mild to severe conditions. To get more detailed information, you can contact My Diagnostics.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a C-reactive protein (CRP) test?

A CRP test measures the CRP level in your blood to check for inflammation. This test helps to determine if you have an inflammatory condition and its severity level.

Why do I need a CRP test?

The CRP blood test checks for inflammation in the body. This test shows if there is inflammation in your body. This blood test also helps to see how you are responding to the treatment.

What happens if CRP is high?

The liver creates the CRP protein. Usually, people have low levels of CRP protein in their blood. But if your liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream, it means that you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation.

* Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).