Full Form of CRP, High-Sensitivity CRP Test, C-Reactive Protein

The Full form of CRP is C-Reactive Protein.  It is a specialized protein that is formed by the Liver in response to inflammation. The levels of C reactive protein increase when there is inflammation in the body, which can be tested by taking a blood test and measuring the C reactive protein levels.

This test is useful in determining various acute and chronic inflammation in the body. Therefore, CRP is also referred to as an acute phase reactant which simply means its levels rise when in response to any kind of inflammation in the body.

When any outside agents such as viruses, bacteria and other pathogens  try to enter our body, our body’s immune response gets activated and our body system sends out the first line of defense and further activates the inflammatory cells and cytokines.

These cells begin to trap the bacteria which results in pain, bruising, fever, swelling, and redness.

A high-sensitivity CRP test is more effective than the standard C - reactive protein test as it is more sensitive to even the smallest level of inflammation and can detect it easily and effectively.

Why You Should Go for a CRP Test?

A health provider might ask you to go for a CRP test because it-

• Diagnose inflammation in the body.
• Check for infection in the body.
• Help in diagnosing chronic inflammatory diseases.
• Can timely assess any heart-related disease.
• Performed after surgeries and operations to detect any kind of inflammation.

When Should You Need a CRP Test?

You should immediately go for a CRP test when you experience the following symptoms-

• Chills
• Fever
• Rapid heart rate
• Burning sensation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Pain
• Muscle stiffness
• Unexplained exhaustion

What is the Normal Range for a CRP Test?

After testing, the laboratories provide you with the results of the test, there will be a range of standard information by which you can see whether you have high or low results on the test.

In a general sense, the normal CRP level is less than 0.9 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL). So, anything less than this or more can signify an inflammatory situation that needs to be checked and treated accordingly.

Apart from this, there can be a lot of different factors which can alter the CRP test results such as-

• Depression
• Common cold
• Cigarette smoking
• Insomnia 
• Obesity
• Pregnancy 

Interpreting Test Results-

The results are expressed in milligrams perdeciliter (mg/dL) or milligrams per liter (mg/L). The report indicates the level as high, low, or moderate.

• Moderate CRP level- A moderate CRP level ranges between 1.0 mg/dl and 10.0 mg/dl, which can signal a more significant issue. A moderate elevation can be a result of acute inflammation from an infection or chronic inflammation or a serious disease, such as a heart-related disease.
• High CRP level-  A high/ severe CRP level above 50.0 mg/dl. This elevation warns of an acute bacterial infection that needs to be treated as early as possible.

The result differs from standard values, so it is recommended to consult a doctor and share your reports with them for added guidance and better diagnosis.

Preparation needed for the test-

There is no sort of preparation required, no need to fast before taking the test.

Risk while performing CRP test-

There are no to minimal levels of risk, as it just requires a small quantity of blood from a vein. A person will experience a slight prickling sensation at the time of injecting the needle and drawing the blood, that's, has no other risk.

Conclusion

Doctors use CRP tests to detect the levels of CRP in the body. High levels of this protein indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases. The treatment for elevated levels depends on the causes and related conditions.

Sometimes, elevated CRP levels do not require any treatment because there are times when there is a temporary elevation because of pregnancy, a physical injury, or a mild infection.

People with elevated CRP should consult a healthcare professional to discuss further treatment and reduce their risk of serious health issues. It is very important to consult a doctor after taking the test.

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