C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Lab Values

Objective:

Determine the significance and clinical use of C-Reactive Protein in clinical practice

Lab Test Name:

C-Reactive Protein – CRP

Description:

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made in the liver in response to inflammation

Measures CRP in the blood

• Increases quickly
• Decreases quickly

Indications:

Monitor or Identify:

• Inflammation in the body
  • Appendicitis
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID)
  • Crohn’s
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
  • Lupus (SLE – Systemic Lupus Erythematosus)

Evaluate:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD)
  • Cholesterol level – atherosclerosis

Normal Therapeutic Values:

Normal – <1.0 mg/L

Collection:

• Serum separator tube

What would cause increased levels?

Increased=Inflammation

• Bacterial Infection
• Crohn’s Disease
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
• Pregnancy – estrogen
• Myocardial Infarction (MI)

What would cause decreased levels?

Decreased=resolving inflammation

Medications that reduce inflammation:

• NSAIDs
• Statins
• Steroids