What is being tested? C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase reactant, a substance made by the liver and secreted into the bloodstream within a few hours after the start of an infection or inflammation. Increased levels are observed after a heart attack, in sepsis, and after a surgical procedure. Its rise in the blood can also precede pain, fever, or other clinical indicators. The level of CRP can jump a thousand-fold in response to inflammation and can be valuable in monitoring disease activity.
How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.
This article was last reviewed on June 23, 2008.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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