C-reactive Protein Test Explained

c reactive protine — (source: hopkinsmedicine)

When there is inflammation in the body, CRP or C-reactive protein level increases. A basic blood test known as a C-reactive protein test is conducted to check the CRP level in a body.

Continue reading this article to gain knowledge on CRP tests!

What Is a C-reactive Protein Test?

C-reactive protein or CRP is a type of protein produced by the liver. This protein is sent to the bloodstream as a response to inflammation. The C-reactive protein test is the measurement of the CRP level in an individual’s blood.

Generally, a person has a low C-reactive protein level in their blood. A high level of CRP might be a sign of severe infection or any other medical disorder.

What Is the Need for a C-reactive Protein Test?

The CRP test might be done in order to monitor the conditions which cause inflammation. These conditions include –

Bacterial infections like sepsis
Fungal infections
Inflammatory bowel disease
Autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
Osteomyelitis

Furthermore, if an individual has already been diagnosed, this test also helps to monitor the treatment.

How to Prepare for a CRP Test?

Avoid doing strenuous excesses like a long run or intense weight training before the test. In case your blood is used for any additional tests, the doctor might recommend you to stop eating certain foods before a CRP test. Furthermore, certain medicines affect the CRP level. Make sure to tell your doctor about the medications you take before the test.

How to Read the Results of the C-reactive Protein Test?

Generally, the result of a CRP test is measured in mg/dL or mg/L. In most cases, the doctor will explain to you the results of the test; however, in general –

CRP Levels	Meaning of the Results
Less than 6 mg/L	Normal CRP level in a healthy body
3 to 10 mg/L	Normal to moderate inflammation
10 to 100 mg/L	Inflammation in the whole body due to bronchitis, autoimmune disease, pancreatitis, cancer or heart attack
Over 100 mg/L	Inflammation in the whole body due to acute viral infections, acute bacterial infections, major trauma or systemic vasculitis
Over 500 mg/L	Severe inflammation in the whole body because of severe bacterial infections

What Happens If CRP Level Is High?

Elevated CRP level can be a sign of infection, cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and tuberculosis. Furthermore, it can also lead to atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart attack, failure or stroke.

What to Do If CRP Is High?

Before proceeding, it is very important to know that lowering the CRP is not guaranteed to reduce the risk of autoimmune or cardiovascular disease.

Eating a nutritious and balanced diet that consists of fibre, fruits and vegetables can help lower the CRP concentration. Moreover, your doctor might suggest medications like statin or cholesterol-reducing medicines to reduce the CRP level. Vitamin C is also a way to reduce the CRP level for individuals with higher odds of cardiovascular diseases.

Furthermore, the preventive measures mentioned below can help you lower the C-reactive protein levels in your body –

Increase aerobic exercises such as running, cycling or fast walking
Quit smoking
Lose weight
Consume a heart-healthy diet

Therefore, individuals experiencing any changes, symptoms, or discomfort should talk to their doctor immediately. People sometimes confuse the C-reactive protein test with the high-sensitivity CRP test. Though both of these tests measure the CRP level in the body; however, the tests are done to identify different medical conditions.