The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test is a blood test used to measure the levels of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. CRP is part of the immune system s response to injury, infection, or chronic inflammatory conditions, making it a valuable marker for detecting inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels can indicate various underlying conditions, such as bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, and even tissue injuries or trauma. In addition, the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is specifically used to assess the risk of cardiovascular diseases, as even minor elevations in CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke. Normal CRP levels are typically below 10 mg/L, while levels above this threshold suggest active inflammation or infection. Extremely high CRP levels, exceeding 100 mg/L, are often linked to severe infections or major trauma. The CRP test is also useful in monitoring the effectiveness of treatments for inflammatory conditions, as CRP levels decrease when inflammation subsides. However, CRP is a nonspecific marker, meaning it does not pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, and its results must be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests. By providing a snapshot of the body s inflammatory status, the CRP test helps guide healthcare providers in diagnosing, monitoring, and managing various inflammatory and infectious diseases.
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of...