C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

What Is A C-Reactive Protein (CRP)?

CRP is a protein that is synthesized by the liver in response to inflammation. Inflammation is essentially your body's immune system at work

During inflammation, CRP is released and binds to cells, which allow your white blood cells to eat and ultimately get rid of those cells from your body. Thus, the CRP test measures the level of this specific protein in your blood. So, more of this protein floating around in your blood = more inflammation

Why Is This Test Used?

CRP is used in the diagnosis and management of a wide variety of different diseases including chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, infections such as pneumonia, and even in heart disease.

I think it's also important to mention that CRP can be elevated under normal circumstances as well such as pregnancy and individuals taking OCPs (birth control)

What Is the Normal Range?

• Normal value 0.8 - 3.0

• If your CRP value is elevated it could mean that you have some sort of inflammatory process occurring in your body. If you are concerned about your CRP, please consult your local health care provider