What is the use of the CRP test?
A CRP test may be used to aid in the detection or monitoring of inflammation in acute or chronic illnesses such as:
- Bacterial or viral infections
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Intestinal illnesses such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Lupus
- Rheumatoid arthritis and vasculitis
- Asthma and other lung illnesses
A CRP test may be used by your doctor to determine if medications for chronic inflammation are effective or not. It is also done to determine treatment options if you have sepsis. Sepsis is your body's overreaction to an infection that has spread to your bloodstream.
Why do I require a CRP test?
This test may be required if you have signs of a bacterial infection, such as:
- Chills
- Fever
- High heart rate
- Breathing fast
- Vomiting and nausea
A CRP test may also be required if your doctor suspects you have a persistent illness that causes inflammation. The symptoms will vary according to the disease.
If you have an infection or a chronic illness that causes inflammation, you may require this test to monitor your health and treatment. CRP levels fluctuate according to the extent of inflammation in your body. If your CRP levels reduce, it indicates that your anti-inflammatory medicine is working or that you're recovering on your own.
What happens during a CRP test?
A tiny needle will be used by a healthcare expert to draw blood from a vein in your arm. Following the insertion of the needle, a small quantity of blood will be collected in a test tube or vial. When the needle is inserted or goes in or out, one may feel a slight sting. This procedure normally takes around five minutes.
How to prepare for the test?
Some medications may have an impact on your results. As a result, inform your provider about any vitamins or medications you use, such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS). Do not discontinue any prescription medications without first consulting your doctor.
Is there any risk associated with the test?
CRP Test does not have any kind of risk associated with it. Having a blood test might cause little discomfort or bruising where the needle was inserted, but it will go soon.
Understanding results
Your CRP test results indicate the level of inflammation in the body. However, your test findings will not tell you what is causing the inflammation. Your physician will consider your CRP values, as well as the results of other tests, your symptoms, and your medical history, to determine a diagnosis.
Healthy persons have very low levels of CRP in their blood. Any rises over normal indicate that your body is inflamed. However, the laboratories test CRP levels in different ways and interpret "normal" CRP ranges differently, that is why it is very important to consult your doctor and understand what your reports show.
Important information to know about CRP testing?
A CRP test is frequently mistaken for a high-sensitivity CRP test (hs). They both assess CRP, but for very different causes. A hs-CRP test detects minute changes in your CRP levels. It is used to calculate your risk of developing heart disease.