What is a c-reactive (CRP) protein test?

A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in a sample of your blood. CRP is a protein that your liver makes. Normally, you have low levels of c-reactive protein in your blood. Your liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream if you have inflammation in your body. High levels of CRP may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation.

What is it used for?

A CRP test may be used to help find or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions, including:

• Infections from bacteria or viruses
• Inflammatory bowel disease, disorders of the intestines that include Crohn’s disease  and ulcerative colitis
• Autoimmune disorders, such as lupues, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis
• Lung diseases, such as asthma

We can use a CRP test to see if treatments for chronic inflammation are working or to make treatment decisions if you have sepsis. Sepsis is your body’s extreme response to an infection that spreads to your blood. It’s a life-threatening medical emergency.

Our doctors will carry out the test to determine the diagnosis and establish a correct medical treatment.