C-Reactive Protein, (CRP,hs)
Fasting Required: No

Specimen: Blood

Results: 3-5 Business Days

Limitations: Oral contraceptives, IUD's, pregnancy, and menstruation may raise hs-CRP levels. Levels are lowest during ovulation.

Description: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a non-specific acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to tissue injury, infection, and inflammation. CRP, hs is a critical component of the immune system and can be predictive of future risk of heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and the development of peripheral arterial disease. CRP levels rise as much as 1,000-fold after an acute event, and these high levels can be used to diagnose and monitor acute inflammatory states. Levels within the normal, non-acute-phase range (=10 mg/L) can help assess cardiovascular risk. The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is used for this purpose because it can accurately determine CRP levels in the low range of 1-10 mg/L.

Alternative Name(s): Highly Sensitive CRP; CRP, High Sensitivity; C-Reactive Protein, Cardio, hs-CRP