Testing for C Reactive Protein and Causes of High Levels

C reactive protein is a protein molecule produced by the liver in response to some inflammatory process in the body.

Inflammation may be due to any infection like, bacterial, fungal etc., malignancy or any autoimmune cause. So, this test is not specific for a disease process, but helpful in overall diagnosis and treatment.

Normal Values

The acceptable reference range levels of CRP in blood is 1 – 3 mg/l

Mild inflammation: less than 1.0 mg/L
Moderate inflammatory condition: 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L
Severe inflammation: above 3.0 mg/L

Common Conditions When the Test Is Ordered

• To detect any underlying disease process in the body. Though this test is non specific, it may help in diagnosis.
• To detect any flare up of the underlying disease being treated.
• Assessing how well the treatment is working. The levels of c reactive protein should reduce back towards normal if the treatment is responding well.
• After surgical procedures. The levels are usually high just after surgery. It slowly reduces to normal levels within three days. If it doesn’t, there may be some infection.

Preparing for the Test

No prior preparation is required. Clean blood sample is drawn for the C-Reactive protein test.

Some Conditions Where CRP May Be Increased

• Malignancies
• Tuberculosis and other granulomatous diseases
• Autoimmune disorders
• Arthritis, rheumatoid
• Heart diseases
• Fungal infections
• Inflammatory bowel diseases
• Lupus