What is the CRP test and how does it work?

The article was professionally consulted by Doctor Do Thi Hoang Ha - Doctor of Biochemistry - Laboratory Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital

Inflammation is the body's response to injury. The CRP test is a quantitative test of C-reactive protein in the blood. The CRP test is mainly used to assess inflammation and monitor the response to treatment of infectious diseases.

1. What is a CRP test?

C-reactive protein or C-reactive protein (CRP) is a glycoprotein produced mainly by the liver. This protein is not normally found in the blood or is present in very low concentrations. Acute, tissue-destructive inflammation in the body stimulates production of C-reactive protein and rapidly increases serum levels of this protein. Serum CRP is a quantitative test for C-reactive protein in the blood.
Typical CRP will rise within 6 hours of inflammation. This allows the doctor to identify inflammation earlier than using the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test, which usually rises about a week after the inflammation occurs. The value of CRP is also not affected by changes in blood globulin and hematocrit, so it is diagnostic when the concentration of globulin or blood hematocrit changes.

CRP là xét nghiệm gì — Xét nghiệm định lượng CRP cho kết quả nhanh và chính xác hơn nhiều phương pháp khác

2. Indication to perform CRP . test

Check for infection after surgery: CRP levels usually increase about 2 - 6 hours after surgery and will decrease on the 3rd day after surgery. If elevated CRP levels persist for more than 3 days after surgery, a new infection may have developed. Identify and detect infections and inflammatory conditions such as: lymphoma, diseases of the immune system (lupus), intestinal inflammation and bleeding, rheumatoid arthritis, bone infections (osteomyelitis) . Assess response to treatment, especially cancer or infection treatment. CRP levels will rise rapidly and fall back to normal rapidly if the patient responds well to treatment.

3. Factors affecting the CRP . test

High CRP levels are common in patients with high blood pressure, high body mass index (BMI), metabolic syndrome/diabetes, chronic infections (bronchitis, gingivitis), chronic inflammation (such as rheumatoid arthritis) and low HDL levels, high triglycerides.

CRP levels can increase when a woman is in the later stages of pregnancy, using birth control pills or hormone therapy. High levels of CRP in obese people. Smoking cigarettes can increase CRP levels. Low CRP levels can be caused by moderate alcohol consumption, weight loss and long-term exercise and activity. Estrogen and progesterone supplements can increase CRP levels. Fibrates, niacin, and statins can lower CRP levels.

4. Procedure for performing CRP . test

Patients do not need to fast before the test. Sometimes, some patients may also be asked by the doctor to fast for 4-12 hours before the procedure depending on the laboratory. Medical staff taking blood from a patient. After blood collection, the patient needs a bandage and pressure on the vein puncture area to take blood to help stop the bleeding

Quantitative CRP test plays an important role in diagnosing inflammatory diseases, monitoring wound healing, early detection of risk factors for cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, if there are signs of infection or there is a risk of cardiovascular disease, patients should soon seek reputable medical facilities to perform a CRP level test and combine with other diagnostic methods.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.

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