What is C Reactive Protein Blood Test?
What is a C-reactive protein test?
This test checks for the CRP levels in your blood which your liver makes in response of inflammation.
Inflammation is basically your body's way to protect your tissues and help them heal from conditions like infection, injury, or any other diseases. When inflammation is sudden or stays for a short time, it can be helpful. For example, when you get a cut on your skin, the surrounding area may turn red and swell, which indicates that inflammation is working to stop the infection from spreading. Along with this, inflammation plays the same role against germs or toxins inside of your body.
If this inflammation lasts too long, it can also damage the healthy tissues, stays for long and is caused by certain autoimmune disorders. Chronic inflammation can also result if your body's tissues are frequently injured or irritated due to smoking or chemicals.
What is this test for?
After checking the C-reactive protein levels in your blood, this test reveals your doctor about how much inflammation you have left in your body, as high levels might show a sign of acute or chronic health condition.
- Infections from bacteria and viruses
- Asthma
- Autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, and lupus.
- Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis
- Persistent smoking
- Having exposure to environmental toxins
Why do you need to get tested with the CRP test?
Your healthcare provider may suggest c reactive protein test, if you are experiencing signs of bacterial infection, such as:
- Fever or chills
- Rapid heart rate
- Nausea and vomiting
- Rapid breathing
Other than these signs, your doctor may also recommend this test to:
- Check for a chronic health condition that leads to inflammation.
- Monitor for the presence of infection after the surgery.
- Check the effectiveness of an ongoing treatment.
- Determine which treatment will be right for you as per your health condition.
CRP levels depend on how much inflammation is present in your body, with their rise and fall. If they fall, it indicates that your treatment is working.
Preparation
Some medications may affect your test results; hence, share information with your doctor about your current health status. Avoid consuming alcohol and smoking before the day of the test. Wear loose clothes for easy access for the blood test, and arrive on time.
Procedure
For the test, a healthcare professional will take the blood sample from a vein in your arm through the small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into the tube and sent to the lab. This entire procedure is pain-free and quick, and you may feel only a little sting.
What do the results indicate?
Having abnormal results may indicate inflammation in your body and can also be linked to:
- Depression
- Obesity
- Sex
- Insomnia
- Going through hormone therapy for menopause
This C-reactive protein test informs your doctor about how much inflammation you have present in your body. To understand what is causing it or where it is, you should review the test reports with your doctor to take the appropriate action on time.
FAQs
1. What is a C-reactive protein (CRP) blood test?
This test measures the C-reactive protein levels in your blood to identify inflammation or infection in the body.
2. Why is a CRP blood test done?
The test is suggested by your doctor to check for inflammation or monitor certain health conditions in your body.
3. Does a CRP blood test require fasting?
No, you do not have to do an overnight fast before getting tested. However, follow your doctor’s or laboratory’s instructions if other tests are being done at the same time.
4. What does a high CRP level mean?
A high CRP level generally indicates inflammation somewhere in the body.
It does not identify the exact cause, so your doctor may recommend further evaluation.
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