C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Test Price, Procedure, Results

The CRP test is used to determine the concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood. For this test, blood samples are taken through techniques like nephelometry and turbidimetry. CRP is made by hepatocytes in the liver. 

The production of this protein increases manifold during inflammatory diseases, bacterial viral and infections and heart diseases too.

There are two types of CRP assay:-

1. A wide range of investigations are done in case of acute infections and inflammatory diseases.
2. A High Sensitive CRP Assay, also known as hs-crp or Cardio-CRP, for cardiovascular diseases.

The hs-CRP test is highly sensitive, and can measure even very low concentrations of this protein in the blood. The level of CRP rises immediately within a few hours of inflammation, and falls rapidly after initiation of treatment. The CRP test is more important than the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test for the diagnosis of inflammatory conditions, as it is not affected by physiological conditions.

The high level of CRP is only because of the serious infection.

High CRP levels are almost always a sign of a serious underlying medical condition.

A wide variety of other inflammatory conditions can increase CRP levels, including:-

Autoimmune conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus, and some types of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, Pericarditis (inflammation of the lining of the heart), infection, Organ and tissue injury, cancer and obesity.

Many people with symptoms like moderate infections or injuries or conditions that cause chronic inflammation may have high levels of CRP. 

This includes inexplicable exhaustion, muscle stiffness, pain and weakness, low grade fever, chills, headache, nausea, loss of appetite and indigestion.

Difficulty sleeping or insomnia. Unexplained weight loss. 

People with very high CRP levels often have acute infections.

Symptoms of acute infection include high fever, rapid heart rate, uncontrollable, sweating, chills, or shivering, persistent vomiting, vomiting, or diarrhea, shortness of breath, rash or hives, dry lips, mouth and skin, dizziness or lightheadedness, severe headache, body aches, stiffness, or pain, and experience of fainting.

CRP is low or almost no in healthy individuals. Normal CRP level is usually below 3.0 mg/L.

These values indicate the absence of acute infection or inflammation.

However, for the hs-CRP test, even a concentration of 3 mg/L may be considered a higher risk for heart diseases.

HS-CRP is an independent marker of cardiovascular diseases. For the hs-CRP marker, patients are divided into different risk groups based on their hs-CRP levels:

Less than 1 mg/L low risk group.

Moderate-risk group between 1-3 mg/L.

Higher risk groups greater than 3 mg/L.

Only a few milliliters of blood sample is required for the test. A skilled lab technician cleans your skin with an antiseptic, inserts a needle into the arm, takes a blood sample in a sterile tube or vial and sends it for analysis. The procedure is simple and painless, although patients may sometimes experience pain at the blood drainage site.

No special preparation is required for the CRP blood test.

The test can be done at any time, and fasting is usually not required. Fasting may be preferred in some cases, although the patient may be allowed to drink water.

These are the following situations in which a CRP test is prescribed by a doctor:

• The conditions like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), these are autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
• Acute infections, such as meningitis, cerebral abscess, and viral encephalitis
• For prognosis in patients with atherosclerotic disease, congestive heart failure, atrial fibrillation, myocarditis, aortic valve disease and heart transplant.
• In case of neonatal sepsis and other conditions, such as appendicitis, pancreatitis, and other inflammatory conditions.
• Dose monitoring for disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDS) and antibiotics.
• Myalgia and Osteomyelitis
• Lung, breast and kidney cancer
• Trauma

There are several ways in which the CRP level can be lowered. We have listed some of these as follows:-

1. Exercise – Regular physical activity can help reduce CRP.
2. Weight loss – In overweight and obese people, weight loss and fat reduction can lower CRP levels.
3. Balanced diet – Healthy diets are independently associated with low CRP levels, suggesting that diet is associated with systemic inflammation.
4. Alcohol in moderation – CRP level is maintained by taking alcohol in moderation.
5. Yoga – Walking meditation and walking exercises can reduce CRP levels in depressed seniors.
6. Sexual activity – CRP levels may be low in sexually active partners.
7. Coffee and green tea – Research shows that there is a relationship between high coffee consumption and low CRP.
8. Vitamin A, C, D, K adequacy – Taking adequate amounts of these vitamins can lower CRP levels.