CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Test – Complete Guide
What Is a CRP Test?
The CRP (C-Reactive Protein) test measures the level of inflammation in the body. When there is infection, injury, tissue damage, or autoimmune activity, CRP levels increase.
It is a fast and reliable marker used widely in hospitals and diagnostic labs.
Why Is the CRP Test Important?
A CRP test helps in:
Detecting early infection
Monitoring recovery after treatment or surgery
Identifying inflammatory and autoimmune conditions
Tracking flare-ups or healing in chronic disease
Assessing severity in COVID-19, dengue, sepsis, and pneumonia
Doctors use CRP levels to make treatment decisions and to understand how the body is responding to illness.
CRP Normal Ranges
| Status | CRP Level |
|---|---|
| Normal | < 5 mg/L |
| Mild Elevation | 5–10 mg/L |
| Moderate | 10–50 mg/L |
| High | > 50 mg/L |
| Very High | > 100 mg/L |
How to Interpret CRP Levels
High CRP indicates infection, inflammation, injury, or autoimmune disease.
Very high CRP (>100 mg/L) strongly suggests bacterial infection or sepsis.
Mild elevation is commonly seen in viral infections, arthritis, or after physical injury.
CRP alone does not give exact diagnosis, so doctors evaluate it with clinical symptoms and other tests.
What CRP Test Cannot Detect
Although CRP is a powerful inflammation marker, it has limitations. It cannot:
Detect the exact type of infection (bacterial or viral)
Show where inflammation is located
Confirm autoimmune disease without other tests
Diagnose heart attack or cancer
Replace clinical examination
CRP is a screening and monitoring test, not a stand-alone diagnostic tool.
How TestPro360 Helps With CRP Reporting
TestPro360 enhances CRP reporting through smart automation:
✔ Automatic Severity Highlighting
CRP levels are displayed with color coding for:
Mild
Moderate
High
Very high
✔ Critical Alerts
Alerts are triggered automatically when values are:
>50 mg/L
>100 mg/L
Ideal for emergency, ICU, and post-operative monitoring.
✔ Trend Analysis
Trend view helps doctors track:
Rising infection
Recovery after treatment
Post-surgery healing
✔ Inflammation Panel
CRP is combined with CBC and ESR to form an Inflammation Panel, providing a complete clinical picture.
✔ Automated Comments
Examples:
“CRP significantly elevated – possible infection.”
“Monitor clinically and correlate with CBC/ESR.”
✔ Analyzer Integration
Fast turnaround reporting with analyzer data connectivity improves lab efficiency and patient care.
Key Takeaways
CRP is a simple blood test that shows inflammation.
High values mean infection or immune activity.
Very high levels (>100 mg/L) suggest sepsis or severe bacterial infection.
CRP does not identify the exact cause, but it is very useful for monitoring treatment and recovery.
