CRP Test: Full Form, Normal Range, Procedure, Cost

by Dr Aaditi Ganguly Doctor

Do you know there is a test for inflammation? The CRP test is used for inflammation. Inflammation is the response made by our body when there is tissue injury or infections by bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites.

CRP test is a blood test used to check the presence of C-reactive protein in the serum that forms as a response to inflammation in the body.

C-reactive protein or CRP is a pentameric protein made by the liver in response to inflammation. Inflammation helps save our body from infections by microorganisms. Whenever there is injury or disturbance in our body inflammation happens. As a result of inflammation, there is fever, swelling, and pain.

Apart from the liver, CRP is also released from endothelial cells, adipose tissue, and muscle cells.

Whenever there is inflammation, infection or trauma activates the inflammatory cells like neutrophils which in turn activates caspase-1 that converts Pro IL-1β to IL-1β. IL-1β stimulates the release of cytokine IL-6 that activates the CRP gene in hepatocytes. CRP gene is also activated by IL-1 and TNF- α. Once the CRP gene is activated, it starts forming C-reactive proteins that are nCRP. nCRP then forms a complex with the endoplasmic reticulum. When there is inflammation then nCRP gets detached from the complex and released into the bloodstream.

Now, you may be curious to know what happens after CRP is released into the bloodstream. Let me explain in detail because then you will understand the purpose of the CRP test.

After the release of CRP from hepatic cells, CRP decreases the expression of the eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) enzyme resulting in a decrease in nitric oxide production(NO) and an increase in ROS production. Also, increased levels of CRP in the serum increase the ET-1 receptors. All these combined result in endothelial dysfunction. Endothelial dysfunction results in various vascular diseases like coronary artery disease. Increased levels of CRP result in opsonization that results in uptake of ox LDL by macrophages. When the macrophages take up ox LDL it converts into foam cells. Foam cells result in atherosclerosis.

After the macrophages get activated they trigger and activate the complement system that helps phagocytosis of microorganisms and dead cells by the macrophages.

What are the purpose and normal range of a CRP test?

We have seen above that inflammation causes the levels of C-reactive protein to increase in the body. C-reactive proteins can also be increased due to

Bacterial infections
Viral infections
Parasitic infections
Fungal infections
Cancers
Auto-immune disorders
Surgeries(2-3 days after surgeries)

The CRP test normal range in the serum is less than 10mg/L. But if the test result comes out to be more than or equal to 10mg/L then you need attention.

We can see that the CRP test acts as a biomarker indicating that there is some sort of disturbance happening in our body that needs immediate medical treatment. For example- if a person has cancer then it can trigger inflammation that leads to swelling, pain, and fever. Inflammation causes CRP levels to increase. Hence, CRP tells the doctor the risk of inflammation and what steps need to be followed after the CRP test.

Uses of CRP test:

It is used to detect bacterial infections like sepsis.
It is used to detect a condition named Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID).
It is used to detect chronic inflammatory conditions like Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, autoimmune diseases, and arthritis.
It is used to detect infection after surgeries.
If high levels of CRP are not treated properly then it can lead to coronary artery disease and lead the risk of heart attack and stroke.

CRP Test Procedure - All You Should Know

CRP test is a simple blood test that can be done at the hospital, diagnostic centre, or at home.

A phlebotomist collects the blood in a tube from the vein with the help of a syringe. A band will be wrapped in your arm for the collection of blood samples.

Then the blood will be collected with a syringe.

You may be asked to sit quietly after the sample is collected. This is done to check if there is any reaction at the site of injection or not.

If you are fine then you may go back to your home and wait for the test results.

After the blood is collected then the sample is tested at the laboratory.

In the laboratory, the sample is mixed with latex reagent. After mixing them if agglutination of the latex particles occurs then there is CRP present significantly in the serum.

Are there any risks associated with a CRP Test?

There is no associated risk with a CRP test but you might feel dizzy. But you must look for the below complication:

Redness
Swelling
Pain
Excessive bleeding

What is the cost of a CRP test?

The C-reactive protein test price in India is Rs. 400. The CRP blood cost depends on location and the diagnostic center you choose.

Where to get the best CRP test facility?

There are endless options from where you can get the CRP test done. But if you trust my opinion then you can opt for HealthcareOnTime. At HealthcareOnTime the CRP blood test price is affordable with quality service.

Why Choose HealthcareOnTime?

Healthcare OnTime is a leading diagnostic center in India with NABL accreditation. The tests are carried out in CAP-accredited labs.

The CRP test price at HealthcareOnTime is only Rs 400. So, we can see that the CRP test cost is very cheap. Moreover, the test is done by well-qualified healthcare professionals and other expert staff.

Also, they offer a variety of testing options, including 24/7 online and phone booking, and we provide reliable and accurate results. Their services are affordable and accessible, making them the perfect choice for anyone in need of CRP blood Test.

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