Specimen Type: Serum

Specimen Required: 3-5 Cc Yellow Top Gel Vial

Day Performed: Daily

Reporting Time: 8 Hours  STAT Reporting Time: 120 MINUTES

Methodology: Beckman Coulter AU480

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE:

The CRP test is a general test to check for inflammation in the body. It is not a specific test. It is performed to:

• Check for flare-ups of inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis.
• Determine if anti-inflammatory medicine is working to treat a disease or condition.

A positive test means you have inflammation in the body. Positive CRP results also occur during the last half of pregnancy or with the use of birth control pills (oral contraceptives).

Some other causes of a high CRP include:

• Cancer
• Heart attack
• Infection
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and related diseases
• Rheumatic fever

According to the American Heart Association, results of the hs-CRP can be interpreted as follows:

• hs-CRP level < 1.0 mg/L = low risk of developing cardiovascular disease
• hs-CRP level 1.0 mg/L – 3.0 mg/L = average risk of developing cardiovascular disease
• hs-CRP level > 3.0 mg/L = high risk for cardiovascular disease.