CRP is a protein synthesized by the liver and acts as a sensitive marker of inflammation within the body. Inflammation is a natural response triggered by the immune system to combat various insults, including infections, tissue injury, and autoimmune disorders.  CRP levels rise rapidly when inflammation occurs, offering a window into the body's internal response. High levels of CPR can be an indication of various health conditions including, infection, autoimmune diseases, and cardiovascular disease.

What is the test used for:

• Finding the Cause: High CRP suggests inflammation, prompting further tests to pinpoint the exact reason. This helps your doctor diagnose various conditions.

• Tracking Treatment: Repeated CRP tests can track how well treatment works for inflammatory conditions. Lower levels mean the treatment is effective, while high levels might require adjustments.

• Heart Disease Risk: A specific type of CRP test (hs-CRP) can assess your risk for heart disease. High levels of hs-CRP indicate ongoing inflammation in your blood vessels, which can increase your risk of heart problems.

Understanding Your Results:

• Normal CRP: Generally, minimal or no significant inflammation is present.

• Elevated CRP: Suggests ongoing inflammatory activity in the body. Further investigation is required to pinpoint the underlying cause. This may involve additional tests based on your specific clinical presentation.

This is a point-of-care test that provides the quantitative results without the doctors report, you may need to speak to your doctor to explain what they mean and advise if any following action is required.