C-reactive protein

<languages /><translate> C-reactive protein (224 aa, ~25 kda) is an acute phase reactant and encoded by the human crp gene. This protein is cleaved during biological activation and is associated with host defense mechanisms and inflammatory responses.

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C-reactive protein homopentamer, Human

CRP as a marker of inflammation

C-reactive protein (CRP) levels in serum or plasma have been used as an indicator of inflammation and infection.

Other names

• C-reactive protein, serum
• CRP

Conditions used

A CRP test may be used in a wide range of conditions to find or monitor conditions that cause inflammation. These include:

• Bacterial infections, such as sepsis, a severe and sometimes life-threatening condition
• Fungal infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease, a disorder that causes swelling and bleeding in the intestines
• An autoimmune disorder such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
• An infection of the bone called osteomyelitis

Nomal values

• Thenormal CRP reading is less than 10 milligram per liter (mg/L).
• A test result showing a CRP level of more than 10 mg/L is a sign of serious infection, trauma or chronic disease
• If your results show a high level of CRP, it probably means you have some type of inflammation in your body.
• A CRP test doesn't explain the cause or location of the inflammation.

CRP and hsCRP

• A CRP test is sometimes confused with a high-sensitivity-(hs) CRP test.
• Although they both measure CRP, they are used to diagnose different conditions.
• Recent evidence also suggests that CRP levels may have value in identifying individuals at greater risk of a heart attack.

hsCRP normal levels

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test measures low levels of CRP using laser nephelometry. The test gives results in 25 minutes with a sensitivity down to 0.04 mg/L. The risk of developing cardiovascular disease is quantified as follows:

• low: hs-CRP level under 1.0 mg/L (low risk of cardiovascular disease)
• average: between 1.0 and 3.0 mg/L (medium risk)
• high: above 3.0 mg/L (high risk)

See also

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

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