The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test used to measure the level of inflammation in the body. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or injury. Although the CRP test is a simple blood test, understanding what negative and positive results mean can provide important insights into our health.
This article explains what CRP test results indicate
and how they are used in medical diagnosis and treatment.
The CRP test measures the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation, which can be caused by various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic illnesses. The test is commonly used to:
- Detect or monitor infections
- Evaluate the risk of cardiovascular diseases
- Monitor inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
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The C-reactive protein (CRP) test does not use "negative" and "positive" results like some other medical tests (e.g., COVID-19 or pregnancy tests). Instead, CRP levels are reported as a numerical value in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
- A low CRP level is considered normal or negative, meaning there is no significant inflammation in the body.
- Typically found in healthy individuals or people without active infections or chronic diseases.
- A low CRP level is a good sign when testing for infections or inflammatory conditions.
- A moderate increase in CRP suggests mild inflammation or infection.
- Common causes include viral infections, minor injuries, or chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes.
- Further testing may be needed if CRP remains elevated over time.
- A high CRP level (above 10 mg/L) indicates significant inflammation and is considered a positive result.
- Possible causes:
- Bacterial infections (e.g., pneumonia, sepsis)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease)
- Severe injuries, burns, or major surgery
- Chronic diseases (e.g., heart disease, cancer, uncontrolled diabetes)
- Extremely high CRP levels (above 100 mg/L) may indicate serious bacterial infections, severe trauma, or inflammatory conditions.
A positive CRP test can occur due to various reasons, including:
1. Infections: Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger a rise in CRP levels.
2. Autoimmune Diseases: Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) often cause chronic inflammation.
3. Tissue Injury: Trauma, surgery, or burns can lead to elevated CRP levels.
4. Chronic Diseases: Obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease are linked to increased inflammation.
5.Severe Infections or Sepsis: Extremely high CRP levels (above 100 mg/L) may indicate serious bacterial infections
Health Yaad Aayo offers home testing services for CRP tests, making it easier for individuals to monitor their health from the comfort of their homes. The following healthcare centers, associated with Health Yaad Aayo, provide home sample collection for CRP testing:
Nepal Lab House Pvt. Ltd.
Sooriya Healthcare Pvt. Ltd.
Promed Multispeciality Center Pvt. Ltd.
Siddhi Polyclinic and Diagnostic Center Pvt. Ltd.
Riddhi Siddhi Diagnostic & Research Center
Sutra Diagnostic Pvt. Ltd.
Shikharam Pathlab & Medical Center Pvt. Ltd.
Bio-Diagnostics Path Labs Nepal Pvt. Ltd.
Apollo Diagnostic Center
Kathmandu Polyclinic and Pathology Lab Pvt. Ltd.
The CRP test is a valuable tool for detecting inflammation in the body. A negative CRP result is reassuring, while a positive CRP result indicates inflammation that requires further investigation. Early detection of inflammation can help prevent complications and guide appropriate medical treatment.
Download Health Yaad Aayo now for easy home CRP testing and better health monitoring!
