What’s a c-reactive protein (CRP) check?
A c-reactive protein check measures the extent of c-reactive protein (CRP) in your blood. CRP is a protein made by your liver. It is despatched into your bloodstream in response to irritation. Irritation is your physique’s method of defending your tissues in the event you’ve been injured or have an an infection. It might probably trigger ache, redness, and swelling within the injured or affected space. Some autoimmune issues and persistent ailments may also trigger irritation.
Usually, you’ve got low ranges of c-reactive protein in your blood. Excessive ranges could also be signal of a severe an infection or different dysfunction.
Different names: c-reactive protein, serum
What’s it used for?
A CRP check could also be used to search out or monitor situations that trigger irritation. These embody:
Why do I want a CRP check?
You might want this check when you have signs of a severe bacterial an infection. Signs embody:
In case you’ve already been identified with an an infection or have a persistent illness, this check could also be used to observe your therapy. CRP ranges rise and fall relying on how a lot irritation you’ve got. In case your CRP ranges go down, it is a signal that your therapy for irritation is working.
What occurs throughout a CRP check?
A well being care skilled will take a blood pattern from a vein in your arm, utilizing a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small quantity of blood might be collected right into a check tube or vial. You might really feel somewhat sting when the needle goes in or out. This course of normally takes lower than 5 minutes.
Will I must do something to organize for the check? – “c reactive protein high means”
You do not want any particular preparations for a CRP check.
Are there any dangers to the check?
There’s little or no threat to having a blood check. You might have slight ache or bruising on the spot the place the needle was put in, however most signs go away rapidly.
What do the outcomes imply?
In case your outcomes present a excessive degree of CRP, it in all probability means you’ve got some kind of irritation in your physique. A CRP check does not clarify the trigger or location of the irritation. So in case your outcomes should not regular, your well being care supplier might order extra exams to determine why you’ve got irritation.
The next than regular CRP degree doesn’t essentially imply you’ve got a medical situation needing therapy. There are different components that may elevate your CRP ranges. These embody cigarette smoking, weight problems, and lack of train.
If in case you have questions on your outcomes, speak to your well being care supplier.
Be taught extra about laboratory exams, reference ranges, and understanding outcomes.
“c reactive protein high means”