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Insight Horizon Media

How is C-reactive protein detected?

Author

Michael Henderson

Published Mar 14, 2026

How is C-reactive protein detected?

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the amount of CRP in your blood. CRP is a type of protein that is associated with inflammation in the body. CRP is measured using a small blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm. Your doctor might order a CRP test if you have symptoms of inflammation.

Are there different types of C-reactive protein tests?

There are two different tests that measure CRP and each test measures a different range of CRP level in the blood for different purposes: The standard CRP test measures markedly high levels of the protein to detect diseases that cause significant inflammation. It measures CRP in the range from 10 to 1000 mg/L.

Is C-reactive protein elevated in Covid 19?

A significant increase of CRP was found with levels on average 20 to 50 mg/L in patients with COVID‐19. 10 , 12 , 21 Elevated levels of CRP were observed up to 86% in severe COVID‐19 patients.

What does a C-reactive protein test not check for?

An hs-CRP test isn’t recommended for everyone. The test doesn’t show the cause of inflammation — and it’s possible that a high level could mean the inflammation isn’t affecting your heart, especially if the level is significantly higher than normal.

What happens if CRP test is positive?

A high level of CRP in the blood can be a marker of inflammation. A wide variety of conditions can cause it, from an infection to cancer. High CRP levels can also indicate that there’s inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which can mean a higher risk of heart attack.

Does CRP indicate infection?

CRP is a protein made by the liver and sent into the bloodstream. Blood levels may be higher when you have inflammation or an infection. Because CRP levels often go up before you have symptoms of pain or fever and drop down as you recover, the CRP test is especially useful for tracking infections.

What is C reactive protein test positive means?

If your results show a high level of CRP, it probably means you have some type of inflammation in your body. A CRP test doesn’t explain the cause or location of the inflammation. So if your results are not normal, your health care provider may order more tests to figure out why you have inflammation.

When is C reactive protein high?

A high level of CRP in the blood is a marker of inflammation. It can be caused by a wide variety of conditions, from infection to cancer. High CRP levels can also indicate that there’s inflammation in the arteries of the heart, which can mean a higher risk of heart attack.

What diseases cause high CRP?

What does it mean to have elevated C-reactive protein levels in the blood?

  • burns,
  • trauma,
  • infections, such as pneumonia or tuberculosis,
  • heart attack,
  • chronic inflammatory diseases such as lupus, vasculitis, or rheumatoid arthritis,
  • inflammatory bowel disease, and.
  • certain cancers.

How do I Check my C-reactive protein level?

A simple blood test can be done to check your C-reactive protein level. A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test is more sensitive than a standard CRP test. That means the high-sensitivity test can detect slight increases within the normal range of standard CRP levels.

What is the basic principle of CRP test?

CRP Test Principle. CRP Test is based on the latex agglutination method introduced by Singer, et. al., in 1957. This is a slide agglutination test for the qualitative and semiquantitative detection of C-Reactive Protein (CRP) in human serum.

What is C-reactive protein (CRP) and why is it important?

What is C-reactive protein (CRP)? C-reactive protein (CRP) is a special type of protein produced by the liver in response to inflammatory cytokines such as Interleukin-6 (IL-6).

How do you test for CRP with latex reagent?

CRP Test Procedure (Qualitative) Bring all reagents and serum sample to Room Temperature and mix latex reagent gently prior to use. Do not dilute the controls and serum. Place 1 drop each of serum, positive control and negative control on separate reaction circles. Then add CRP latex reagent 1 drop to each of the circles.