C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. A CRP test measures the levels of this protein in the blood, serving as a marker for acute and chronic inflammation in the body. CRP is a non-specific marker used to detect inflammation caused by infections, tissue injury, autoimmune disorders, or other inflammatory conditions. When there is inflammation in the body, CRP levels rise rapidly. The test is valuable in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and inflammatory bowel disease. It can also indicate infections, cardiovascular disease risk, and post-surgical recovery progress. CRP levels can be elevated even in the absence of symptoms, making it a useful tool for identifying underlying inflammation. Tracking CRP over time helps healthcare providers assess the effectiveness of treatments and the progression of diseases.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It plays a crucial role in the body's immune response and is measured through a blood test to assess the presence and severity of inflammation. Here’s a detailed definition of CRP:

**Structure and Function:**

CRP is a protein made up of five identical subunits arranged symmetrically around a central pore. It belongs to the family of acute-phase proteins, which are synthesized by the liver in response to various stimuli, primarily inflammation. CRP binds to phosphocholine expressed on the surface of dead or dying cells, bacteria, and some parasites, facilitating their recognition and removal by the immune system.

**Measurement:**

The CRP test quantifies the concentration of CRP in blood serum or plasma. It is typically measured using high-sensitivity assays (hs-CRP) that can detect even low levels of CRP accurately. Results are reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L). Normal CRP levels in healthy individuals are usually below 10 mg/L, but these levels can increase rapidly during acute inflammation or infection, sometimes rising to several hundred mg/L within a few hours.

**Clinical Significance:**

1. **Inflammation Detection:**
  CRP is a sensitive marker of inflammation and is used to diagnose and monitor various inflammatory conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus), and inflammatory bowel diseases (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis). Elevated CRP levels indicate ongoing inflammation and can help differentiate between inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.

2. **Cardiovascular Risk Assessment:**
  Elevated CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases (CVD), including coronary artery disease (CAD), myocardial infarction (heart attack), and stroke. CRP is used alongside other risk factors to assess cardiovascular risk and guide preventive measures and treatments.

3. **Monitoring Disease Activity:**
  In chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, CRP levels correlate with disease activity. Serial CRP measurements help healthcare providers monitor treatment effectiveness and disease progression, adjusting therapies as needed.

**Interpretation and Considerations:**

- **Non-Specific Marker:** While CRP is a sensitive marker of inflammation, it is non-specific and can be elevated in various conditions beyond inflammation, such as trauma, surgery, obesity, and smoking.
 
- **Clinical Utility:** CRP testing is valuable in clinical practice for diagnosing, monitoring, and prognosticating inflammatory and cardiovascular diseases. It complements other diagnostic tests and clinical evaluations to provide a comprehensive assessment of patient health.

**Limitations:**

- **False Positives/Negatives:** Elevated CRP levels do not indicate the specific cause of inflammation and require further investigation to determine the underlying condition.
 
- **Transient Increases:** CRP levels can fluctuate and may return to normal once the inflammatory stimulus resolves, limiting its utility for monitoring certain chronic conditions.

**Conclusion:**

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a valuable biomarker of inflammation used extensively in clinical medicine. Its measurement provides essential information for diagnosing and managing inflammatory diseases, assessing cardiovascular risk, and monitoring treatment responses. Continued research aims to refine CRP's role in disease management and improve its clinical utility in diverse patient populations.

We provide blood tests in Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Delhi, Indirapuram, Ghaziabad, Greater Noida, and Greater Noida Extension(west).