C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
CPT Code(s):
86140
Turnaround Time:
4 hours
Specimen Requirements
Preferred Specimen:
Serum
Minimum Volume:
1.0 mL
Transport Container:
Serum Separator Tube (SST) or Red Top Tube
Transport Temperature:
Room Temperature
Collection Instructions:
Allow blood to clot completely prior to centrifugation. Separate serum from cells within 45 minutes of collection.
Rejection Criteria:
Citrate, Fluoride,Sodium Heparin, or EDTA plasma specimen; gross hemolysis; lipemia; improper labeling
Stability Criteria
Room Temperature:
8 hours
Refrigerated:
3 days
Frozen:
30 days
Clinical Significance
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test holds specific clinical significance and diagnostic use in the field of clinical pathology and inflammation monitoring. This test measures the level of CRP, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, in a patient's blood.
The clinical significance and diagnostic use of CRP include:
1. Detection and Monitoring of Inflammation: CRP is commonly used to detect and monitor inflammation in the body. Elevated levels of CRP indicate the presence of inflammation, which can be caused by various conditions such as infection, autoimmune disorders, or tissue damage. Monitoring CRP levels over time can help healthcare providers assess the severity and progression of inflammation, as well as the response to treatment.
2. Diagnosis and Monitoring of Infection: CRP aids in the diagnosis and monitoring of infectious diseases. Elevated CRP levels often accompany bacterial infections, such as pneumonia or urinary tract infections. Measuring CRP can help differentiate between bacterial and viral infections, guide appropriate treatment strategies, and monitor the effectiveness of antimicrobial therapy.
3. Risk Assessment for Cardiovascular Diseases: CRP has been shown to have predictive value in assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, including coronary artery disease. Elevated CRP levels have been associated with an increased risk of developing heart disease and can provide valuable information for risk stratification and guiding preventive measures.
4. Prognostic Indicator in Chronic Inflammatory Conditions: In chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, CRP can serve as a prognostic indicator. Serial measurements of CRP levels help assess disease activity, monitor response to treatment, and predict the likelihood of disease flare-ups or complications.
5. Monitoring Response to Therapy: CRP is used to monitor the response to anti-inflammatory or immunosuppressive therapies. Decreasing CRP levels over time indicate a favorable response to treatment, while persistently elevated levels may suggest inadequate control of inflammation or the need for treatment adjustment.
In summary, CRP has specific clinical significance in detecting and monitoring inflammation, diagnosing and monitoring infections, assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases, serving as a prognostic indicator in chronic inflammatory conditions, and monitoring the response to therapy. By measuring CRP levels, this test provides valuable information for clinical decision-making, guiding treatment strategies, and monitoring the effectiveness of interventions in various inflammatory and infectious conditions.