CRP (C-REACTIVE PROTEIN)

C-Reactive Protein, CRP

A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in blood.CRP is a protein made by liver. 

CRP levels in the blood increase when there is a condition causing inflammation somewhere in the body. A CRP test measures the amount of CRP in the blood to detect inflammation due to acute conditions or to monitor the severity of disease in chronic conditions.

CRP is a more sensitive, rapidly responding indicator than ESR. CRP may be used to detect early postoperative wound infection and to follow therapeutic response to anti-inflammatory agents.

In the setting of inflammation, CRP blood levels rise quickly. When the inflammation resolves, CRP is also metabolized quickly, leading to lower blood levels. Because C-reactive protein is so sensitive to inflammatory states, it is quite useful as a screening marker for inflammation.