Test Description

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that the liver makes when there is inflammation in the body. It’s also called a marker of inflammation, and can be measured with an hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) test. Inflammation is a way for the body to protect itself from injuries or infections, and inflammation can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Excessive inflammation has been linked to heart disease.

When should this test be ordered?
This test may be ordered in conjunction with other tests to assess risk for heart disease.
High Risk · >= 3.1 (mg/L)
For Connective Tissue Panel: Calculate DAS score. If DAS >= 6, likely diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as per ACR guidelines. Consider analgesics such as NSAIDs and disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Regular exercise recommended.

For Cardiac Health Panel: If elevated, this test is usually done with other inflammatory markers to determine cardiovascular risk. Consider weight loss, insulin control, and smoking cessation to reduce hs-CRP levels. Consider aspirin, lipid lowering, and anti-diabetic agents.
Borderline Risk · 1.0-3.0 (mg/L)
For Connective Tissue Panel: Calculate DAS score. If DAS >= 6, likely diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis as per ACR guidelines. Consider analgesics such as NSAIDs and disease-modifying anti rheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Regular exercise recommended.

For Cardiac Health Panel: If elevated, this test is usually done with other inflammatory markers to determine cardiovascular risk. Consider weight loss, insulin control, and smoking cessation to reduce hs-CRP levels. Consider aspirin, lipid lowering, and anti-diabetic agents.
Low Risk · < 1.0 (mg/L)
Within Reference Range.
Testing Method Used
Turbidimetric.

Sample is stable for 60 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
As with cardiovascular health, consuming a healthy diet and getting regular exercise and adequate sleep and aid in prevention or improve known risks.
Specimen Type
Serum
Fasting Required
No, but may be ordered with tests that require fasting
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into a SST tubetube1
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately
  3. Let stand upright in tube rack for 30 minutes
  4. Centrifuge for 15 minutes at 3300rpm
  5. Do not leave at room temperature for more than 1 hour
  6. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References
1. Ridker PM, Libby P. Risk Factors for Atherothrombotic Disease. In: Libby P, Bonow RO, Mann DL, Zipes DP, eds. Braunwald’s Heart Disease: A Textbook of Cardiovascular Medicine. 8th ed. Philadelphia, Pa; Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 39.
2. Haverkate F, Thompson SG, Pyke SD, et al: Production of C-reactive protein and risk of coronary events in stable and unstable angina. European Concerted Action on Thrombosis and Disabilities Angina Pectoris Study Group. Lancet 1997;349(9050):462-466
The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.