What is a CRP test?

A CRP (C-reactive protein) test measures the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The test is often ordered to detect acute inflammation from infections or injuries and chronic inflammation associated with conditions like autoimmune diseases or cardiovascular disorders. Elevated CRP levels signal the presence of inflammation but do not pinpoint its source. This test is also used to monitor the effectiveness of treatments for conditions like arthritis, lupus, or infections. There are two main types of CRP tests: the standard CRP test, which measures high levels of CRP, and the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test, which detects low levels and is mainly used for assessing heart disease risk. The procedure is simple and minimally invasive, requiring only a small blood sample collected via venipuncture.