CRP

InflammationImmunity & InflammationBlood

C-reactive protein is a protein made by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation.

Why it matters: A moderately to severely raised level may be a sign of a serious infection or another inflammatory condition. A CRP test alone cannot identify the condition or where the inflammation is.

Source · Cleveland Clinic — what it is, why it matters, what moves it, related conditions

Reference Range
< 5.0mg/L
5NormalHigh
What Moves It

May increase with:

Smoking
Recent injury
Depression
Diabetes
Obesity
Gum disease
Pregnancy
Infections
Autoimmune diseases

May decrease with:

Inflammation resolving
Treatment for the inflammation working
Associated Conditions
Systemic inflammation from conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus or other autoimmune conditions, which a moderately elevated level may indicateHeart attack, which a moderately elevated level may indicatePancreatitis, which a moderately elevated level may indicateBronchitis, which a moderately elevated level may indicateAcute bacterial infections, which a markedly elevated level may indicateViral infections, which a markedly elevated level may indicateSystemic vasculitis, which a markedly elevated level may indicateMajor injury or trauma, which a markedly elevated level may indicate
Related Markers
ESRWhite Blood Cells
Common questions

What is CRP?

C-reactive protein is a protein made by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation.

What might a high or low CRP mean?

A moderately to severely raised level may be a sign of a serious infection or another inflammatory condition. A CRP test alone cannot identify the condition or where the inflammation is.

What is the typical reference range for CRP?

The general-population reference range shown here is < 5 mg/L. Reference ranges describe the general population and are not a personal target — discuss your results with your physician.

What can affect CRP?

It may be higher with: Smoking, Recent injury, Depression, Diabetes, Obesity, Gum disease, Pregnancy, Infections, Autoimmune diseases. It may be lower with: Inflammation resolving, Treatment for the inflammation working.

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