C-reactive protein (CRP) testing measures the level of CRP in the blood, an indicator of inflammation in the body. Elevated CRP levels can signal acute inflammations, infections, and chronic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or heart disease. This test is commonly used to diagnose and monitor conditions that cause inflammation. It's particularly valuable for detecting flare-ups in chronic inflammatory conditions and assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. Regular CRP testing helps in guiding treatment decisions and monitoring the effectiveness of therapies in reducing inflammation....
Individuals experiencing symptoms of infection or inflammation, those with chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, and individuals at risk of or managing cardiovascular diseases would benefit from a CRP test.
The main difference between hs-CRP and CRP tests lies in their sensitivity. hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) is more sensitive and can detect lower levels of inflammation, making it suitable for assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases. In contrast, the standard CRP test is used to detect higher levels of inflammation, typically for diagnosing and monitoring conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A high CRP level can indicate an acute infection, inflammation, or an exacerbation of a chronic inflammatory condition. It may also suggest an increased risk of heart disease.
No, the CRP test is not specific to any one disease. It measures general inflammation in the body, which can be due to various causes.