C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative

(CRP)

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred.

Understanding C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative

What is C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative?

C-reactive protein (CRP) Qualitative Test detects the presence of CRP in blood. This is a simple blood test that detects the conditions such as arthritis, lupus, acute bacterial/ viral infection, heart disease and autoimmune disease. It also helps to monitor the treatment post an infection and inflammation.

CRP is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and it can rise in any inflammatory condition. It can neither diagnose a condition by itself nor can it determine the location of a particular disease. Other tests are performed along with CRP qualitative to diagnose a particular condition and determine the location.

A positive result means that the CRP levels in the blood are increased.

What is C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative used for?

The C-reactive Protein Test is done:

· To help detect the presence of an acute bacterial infection

· To help detect autoimmune diseases

· To monitor treatment for infection, inflammation, autoimmune diseases, and cancer

Interpreting C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative results

Interpretations

A positive test result means that the CRP levels in the blood are increased.

Higher CRP levels indicate the presence of an inflammation which may be caused by an infection, trauma, autoimmune diseases, cancers, etc.

The CRP Test can only detect the presence of an inflammatory condition. Other tests and physical examinations are performed to diagnose a particular condition.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative

Frequently Asked Questions about C-Reactive Protein, Qualitative

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. What is the difference between CRP and highly sensitive CRP (hsCRP)?

Both tests measure the same protein in the blood. The hsCRP is performed on healthy people to determine their risk for cardiovascular disease.

Q. Is there any risk associated with this test?

There is no risk associated with the test. However, since this test involves a needle prick to withdraw the blood sample, in very rare cases, a patient may experience increased bleeding, hematoma formation (blood collection under the skin), bruising or infection at the site of needle prick.

Q. What factors can affect the CRP levels in blood?

Blood CRP levels can be affected by: certain medications like birth control pills, Non-steroidal Anti-inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs), obesity, Diabetes, smoking, heavy exercise and pregnancy.

Q. Which are the diseases associated with high CRP levels?

Conditions that are associated with high blood CRP levels include Osteomyelitis or bone infection, autoimmune arthritis (Rheumatoid), other autoimmune diseases like Lupus, connective tissue disease, etc., inflammatory bowel disease, tuberculosis, cancers like Lymphoma and infections (e.g. pneumonia).

Q. What additional tests can be prescribed by your doctor in case the result of CRP Qualitative test is not normal?

Additional tests that may be prescribed in case of abnormal CRP test result are: C-reactive protein (Quantitative) Test, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test, Rheumatoid Factor (RF) Test, and Anti-cyclic Citrullinated Peptide Antibody (anti-CCP Antibody) Test.

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