C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitive

• Test Name: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitive Test (hs-CRP)
• Test Type: Inflammatory marker blood test
• Specimen Required: Blood sample (serum or plasma)
• Methodology: Immunoassay techniques, such as nephelometry, immunoturbidimetry, or chemiluminescent immunoassay
• Purpose: Measures low levels of CRP in the blood, which is a marker of inflammation and is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.

• Cardiovascular Risk Assessment: Evaluate the risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack or stroke by measuring low levels of inflammation in the body.
• Monitoring Inflammation: Monitors chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease.
• Predicting Outcomes: Helps predict outcomes in patients with acute coronary syndromes or after cardiovascular events.
• Guiding Treatment: Assists in guiding therapy for individuals at risk of cardiovascular diseases or those undergoing treatment for chronic inflammatory conditions.

• Components:
  • Collection of a blood sample from the patient.
  • Analysis of serum or plasma using high-sensitivity immunoassay techniques to detect low levels of CRP.
  • Calibration with standard controls to ensure accurate and sensitive measurement.
  • Reporting of CRP levels in milligrams per litre (mg/L)
     
• Procedure:
  • A blood sample is drawn from the patient, usually from a vein in the arm.
  • The sample is processed and analyzed in the laboratory to measure hs-CRP levels.
  • Results are compared against established reference ranges to assess cardiovascular risk or inflammation levels.

• Normal Findings: Low levels of CRP, generally less than 1 mg/L, indicate a lower risk of cardiovascular events and minimal inflammation.
• Elevated Levels: Higher CRP levels, typically above 3 mg/L, suggest increased inflammation and a higher risk of cardiovascular disease or other inflammatory conditions.
• Moderate Risk: CRP levels between 1 and 3 mg/L are considered intermediate, indicating moderate risk for cardiovascular events.
• Clinical Correlation: Elevated CRP levels should be interpreted in conjunction with other risk factors and clinical findings, as CRP can be influenced by various factors like infections, injuries, or chronic diseases.

• Qualitative and Quantitative: Provides a quantitative measurement of CRP levels in the blood.
• Interpretation: Results are interpreted based on CRP concentrations and their correlation with cardiovascular risk or inflammatory status.
• Report: A detailed report includes the CRP level and its clinical significance, particularly in relation to cardiovascular risk.
• Turnaround Time: Typically 1-2 days, depending on the laboratory.

Q. What is the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitive Test?
This test measures very low levels of C-reactive protein in the blood, which is a marker of inflammation, to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease
 

Q. Why is the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitive Test ordered?
It is ordered to evaluate the risk of heart attacks or strokes, monitor inflammation in chronic diseases, and guide treatment decisions for cardiovascular health
 

Q. How is the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitive Test performed?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, and the serum or plasma is analyzed using a high-sensitivity immunoassay to measure CRP levels
 

Q. What do elevated CRP levels indicate?
Elevated CRP levels suggest increased inflammation, which may indicate a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, infection, or other inflammatory conditions
 

Q. What is considered a normal CRP level?
CRP levels less than 1 mg/L are considered normal and indicate a lower risk of cardiovascular events and minimal inflammation
 

Q. Can CRP levels be influenced by factors other than cardiovascular disease?
Yes, CRP levels can increase due to infections, injuries, chronic inflammatory diseases, and other conditions, so it’s important to interpret the results in context
 

Q. How long does it take to get results from the C-Reactive Protein (CRP) High Sensitive Test?
Results are typically available within 1-2 days after the blood sample is collected and analyzed by the laboratory