Introduction:
A c-reactive protein test or CRP is a blood test that detects the c-reactive protein levels in the body. In response to infection or inflammation, the body synthesizes CRP in the liver. The c-reactive protein blood test done during infections or inflammations detects the levels of this protein in the body. The c-reactive protein high levels indicate the risk of getting certain diseases due to autoimmunity or inflammation. For accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, consult rheumatology specialists who can help manage conditions related to high CRP levels.
What does CRP do in the body:
In case of infections or inflammations in the body, the body releases its first defense system which are the inflammatory cells or cytokines. These cells entrap bacteria and start killing them leading to pain, swelling, bruising, fever, and redness. This cascade of reactions also starts tissue healing. The c reactive protein levels are normally low in the body however in case of severe infections or autoimmune diseases these levels rise setting infections and inflammation in the body.
Indications:
The c-reactive protein blood test is normally prescribed for the following reasons.
- When the body is having severe bacterial infections like sepsis.
- Fungal infections in the body due to debilitation diseases
- Bone infections such as osteomyelitis
- Gastro-intestinal conditions such as inflammatory bowel diseases
- Arthritis and other autoimmune diseases
- Pelvic inflammatory diseases
- Patient monitoring after surgeries such as coronary artery bypass graft surgery (cabg surgery) or invasive procedures
- To know the risk of heart diseases
- Understand the risk of developing a heart attack for the second time
Relation between CRP levels and heart diseases:
The high sensitivity c reactive protein cardiac tests are used to detect the risk of cardiac diseases in high-risk individuals. A healthcare professional (HCP) uses this test to determine the risk of heart attacks in these individuals. Individuals who have a history of heart attack and with increased levels of c reactive protein high cardiac tests will have an increased risk of another heart attack and a decreased risk if the levels are less. The high sensitivity c reactive protein cardiac test also helps to determine the chance of having heart attacks within the next 10 years and determine the risk category in these individuals.
Symptoms that necessitate CRP test:
Some of the symptoms that HCPs use to prescribe the c reactive protein blood test include the following:
- High fever associated with severe chills
- Increased rate of breathing or tachypnea
- Increased heart rate or tachycardia
- Nausea and vomiting
- In case of suspicion of chronic diseases
CRP sample collection procedure:
A c-reactive protein test is a blood test. A phlebotomist is the person who collects the blood from the body for the tests. The collected blood is sent to the laboratory to determine the CRP levels. Based on the levels found in the body and the crp blood test normal range, the patient’s health condition is interpreted.
Preparing for the procedure:
No special preparation such as fasting or drinking lots of fluids is needed before getting a CRP test. The procedure is usually done in 5-10 minutes. During the sample collection, the person is made to sit comfortably on the chair. The phlebotomist checks the arms for the ease of blood withdrawal and locates a vein.
Once the vein is located, the area is cleaned and disinfected. A small narrow needle is inserted into the blood vessel to withdraw the blood. The needle is connected to a tube that collects the blood. This tube has preservatives that prevent the blood from clotting. Once the required quantity of blood is collected the needle is removed and pressure is applied over the collected site to control bleeding. Later a bandage may be placed.
CRP tests interpretation:
The c reactive protein test results indicate the amount of infection or inflammation in the body but do not indicate the cause of infection. The HCP uses the CRP test and other tests to diagnose a disease. The crp blood test normal range is provided by every laboratory and may vary between any two laboratories. Hence, every lab specifies its normal range.
- The c reactive protein levels that are more than the normal range indicate a disease condition in the body. The normal range of CRP is between < 0.9 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). However, abnormal crp levels are not always a matter of concern as they can occur in various health or disease conditions.
- Certain medications also influence the CRP levels in the body. CRP may be elevated in smoking, common cold, depression, diabetes, insomnia, gingivitis, obesity, pregnancy, and any recent injuries.
- A moderately increased c reactive protein levels indicate chronic systemic inflammation from autoimmune diseases, myocardial infarction, pancreatitis, and bronchitis. A marked increase in CRP level indicates acute bacterial infections, viral infections, systemic vasculitis, or trauma. Severe elevation of CRP levels is majorly due to acute bacterial infections.
- Low c reactive protein levels from previous indicate a good prognosis or decreasing phase of infections.
The c-reactive protein blood test is a safer blood test that detects infection or inflammation in the body. The HCP uses these tests to diagnose a disease and prescribe a treatment plan. A CRP blood test normal range indicates no disease, while high levels indicate the presence of a disease. For accurate diagnosis and expert treatment, visit Fortis, the best hospital in India, where you can receive top-notch care and guidance.
