CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein)

CRP Test: quick answers

CRP Test full form

C-Reactive Protein

CRP Test price

₹470, home sample collection

Normal range (adults)

Typical adult value: Below 5 mg/L (some labs use below 6 or below 10 mg/L)

Done for

Fever or suspected bacterial infection; Monitoring response to antibiotics; Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease

Fasting

Not required

Report

Same day / 24 hours

What is the CRP Test?

The CRP test measures C-reactive protein, which the liver releases into the blood when there is inflammation or infection. A quantitative test gives an exact number in mg/L, rather than just positive or negative, so it can be used to follow how an illness is responding to treatment.

CRP Test normal range

This is the standard CRP test. hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) is a separate test that measures very low levels to estimate heart risk: below 1 mg/L is low risk, 1–3 mg/L average and above 3 mg/L higher risk.

Ranges differ between laboratories and methods. The reference range printed on your own report is the one to read your result against.

What your CRP Test result means

High

Shows inflammation somewhere in the body but not where or why. Mild rises are common with viral infections, obesity and smoking; very high values, often above 100 mg/L, are more typical of bacterial infection, though there is overlap.

Falling on repeat

CRP falls within days when inflammation settles, so a falling value usually means treatment is working.

Normal

Makes significant inflammation less likely, but CRP can be normal very early in an illness, in the first 6 to 12 hours.

One result is not a diagnosis. A doctor reads it with your symptoms, history, medicines and other tests.

CRP Test levels: what does my number mean?

CRP 10 to 40 mg/L

Mild to moderate inflammation, seen in viral infections, minor bacterial infections and flares of arthritis. The value is read with symptoms and repeated if needed. Often checked next: CBC Test.

CRP above 100 mg/L

Marked inflammation, often a bacterial infection. It needs a doctor's review the same day, especially with fever. Often checked next: CBC Test.

Typical adult cut-offs. Read your number against the range printed on your own report, and with a doctor if it is outside it.

Why is the CRP Test done?

• Fever or suspected bacterial infection
• Monitoring response to antibiotics
• Inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
• After surgery, to watch for infection

What does the CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein) measure?

1 parameter. Expand a group to see the measurements, units and available method details.

The reference interval printed on your actual laboratory report governs interpretation. Intervals can vary by laboratory, method, age, sex and pregnancy. Methods can also vary by processing laboratory.

CRP Test: sample & preparation

Sample: Blood. Fasting: Not required.

• No fasting is required. A small blood sample will be drawn from your arm.

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