What is the C-Reactive Protein Test?
A C-Reactive Protein Test helps to measure the amount or the level of C-Reactive Protein in your blood. This protein is secreted by your liver. With a CRP test, you can determine its level.
The liver releases the CRP in your body as retaliation for inflammation. When your body comes across any virus, bacteria, or toxic chemical, it instantly activates the immune system of your body. The immune system of your body further sends signals, the inflammatory cells or the cytokines.
Further, these cells start an inflammatory response within your body to trap the bacteria or any other foreign agent and begin your body’s healing process. The entire process can lead to body pain, body ache, swelling, bruising, and redness.
Why get a CRP Test?
A CRP test is requested by your doctor if he recognizes any of these following problems and wants to take necessary measures. The CRP test is performed to detect:
- Check inflammation level due to infection
- Determine heart disease
- Antibacterial infection of skin, urine, and lungs
- Fungal and viral infection
- Pelvic inflammatory disease
- Autoimmune disease
- Sepsis in a new-born child
- Determine the risk of a second heart attack
- Diagnose a chronic inflammatory disease
You can get yourself tested from your nearby lab by determining the various CRP test costs.
Test preparations
For the CRP test, a small amount of blood will be taken from your viable vein. Further, the laboratory will perform the required test to determine the level of C-Reactive Protein in your blood. There is no prior preparation that needs to be taken. However, it is advised to drink plenty of water and keep yourself hydrated before the test.
Results from CRP test
The report of your CRP test helps to evaluate and determines the following factors:
- The level of the C-Reactive Protein in your blood
- A determination of whether the level is high or low
Normal Range of CRP level
Different labs have different levels or ranges for a CRP test. Thus when you receive your report, it will indicate whether the level of C-Reactive Protein in your blood is healthy or not. The regular level of CRP in your blood is 0.9 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dL)
Seven factors that can have an impact on your CRP level evaluation are:
- Common cold
- Smoking
- Diabetes
- Depression
- Gingivitis
- Insomnia
- Obesity
- Pregnancy
- Recent injury
- Periodontitis
Moderate Elevation in CRP test
If your CRP test result indicates a result of 1.0 to 10.0 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dL), it is usually considered a moderately elevated level of CRP in blood. It may further indicate that you may have any of the following conditions:
- Bronchitis
- Pancreatitis
- Heart ailments
- A systematic inflammation from health conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or systemic lupus erythematosus. It can also be an autoimmune disease.
Elevation in CRP Test
If your CRP test concludes that you have more than 10 milligrams per deciliter(mg/dL), it is considered elevated levels of CRP in the blood. This may further indicate that you may have any of the following conditions:
- Viral infections
- Major injury
- Systemic vasculitis
- Major injury
- Acute bacterial infection
What Does The Result Indicate
If your CRP results indicate that you have a high level of CRP in your bloodstream, it usually indicates that you may be suffering from any kind of inflammation. However, the CRP test will give no such indication of where the inflammation is happening in your body. That will further be determined by your physician.
If your CRP test results are normal, your physician may order further tests to determine why you are suffering from inflammation.
A high level of CRP does not also indicate that you have a serious medical condition that requires attention. It can also be due to your practices and habits.
To Conclude
A CRP test, if advised by your doctor, could be to check the level of C-Reactive Protein in your blood. You should get your test done from reputed laboratories with the latest technologies and facilities.
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