hs-CRP Test | High Sensitivity CRP | Heart Health

What

Measures C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with high sensitivity.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the test

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced in the liver. Blood concentrations of CRP typically increase in response to tissue injury, infection, and inflammation. Standard CRP tests are often used to detect or monitor significant inflammation due to infection or injury. This hs-CRP test is more sensitive than a CRP test and accurately detects low but persistent levels of inflammation, which may be associated with developing CVD.

Chronic inflammation can contribute to the development of atherosclerosis, a condition in which plaque builds up in the arteries and increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The hs-CRP test is most useful as part of a broader cardiovascular risk evaluation. If your hs-CRP level is abnormal, a healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to help further assess your risk.

No doctor’s visit needed. Buy this hs-CRP blood test, visit a nearby Quest location, and get fast results.

This test is right for you if you:

Are healthy and have no symptoms of cardiovascular disease
Want to establish a baseline to proactively monitor your hsCRP inflammatory marker.
Have risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or obesity
Are a smoker or have previously smoked
Are interested in a more sensitive measure of your CRP levels in order to work with your healthcare provider in evaluating your risk for cardiovascular disease
Have a family history of CVD

This test may not be right for you if you:

Have already been diagnosed with chronic inflammation
Have already experienced a serious CVD event such as heart attack or stroke
Have a recent acute illness, infection, or injury (as temporary inflammation may affect results)

For a more comprehensive assessment of your overall heart health, the Quest Advanced Heart Health Test Panel (with ApoB) includes hs-CRP as well as 10+ other biomarkers to help identify risk of cardiovascular disease.

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. CRP levels can rise rapidly in response to inflammation and then swiftly decline once the condition has resolved. A persistently low level of inflammation may be a sign of atherosclerosis (narrowing of blood vessels caused by the buildup of cholesterol and other lipids) which is frequently associated with CVD. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures small amounts of CRP in the blood and may be used by healthcare providers to assess cardiovascular risk.

Please note: This test is not intended for diagnosing or monitoring serious inflammatory conditions; for those purposes, a traditional CRP test is recommended.

This test assesses cardiovascular disease risk in otherwise healthy individuals. If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, SEEK IMMEDIATE MEDICAL ATTENTION:

Chest pain or discomfort
Shortness of breath
Pain or weakness in one or both arms
Pain in the back, neck, jaw, or stomach
Speech difficulty
Other associated symptoms of stroke such as face drooping

Even seemingly healthy people can have hidden inflammation and be at risk for associated conditions, such as:

Weight gain
Frequent or lingering infections
Chronic fatigue and trouble sleeping
Mood changes, like depression and anxiety
Pain in the muscles, joints, and spine
Constipation, diarrhea, and acid reflux

Purchaser: You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com.

Patient: This test can be performed on patients between 18 and 100 years old.

Sample collection: This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile® where available, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AZ or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations. Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

No special preparation is required.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. If you have or create a MyQuest® account, you may be able to review your new results there with your other Quest results. If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent healthcare providers are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 150+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

1

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase, but an independent healthcare provider is involved throughout the process.

Shop now

2

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Register your test

3

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

4

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

1

Buy a lab test
+ in-home sample collection

No doctor visit required for purchase. If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

Buy now

2

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, register your test and Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

Register your test

3

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

4

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent healthcare provider at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

Please note: Quest Mobile is currently only available for individuals ages 18+.

FAQs

What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP testing?

The standard CRP and the hs-CRP inflammation marker tests both measure c-reactive protein. CRP levels in traditional testing range from 10 mg/L to 1000 mg/L, whereas hs-CRP levels are detected as low as 0.1 mg/L and reported specifically up to 10 mg/L. Values above 10 mg/L are abnormal and are reported as >10 mg/L. The hs-CRP can detect slight elevations in CRP levels that would be considered normal on a traditional CRP test. This evaluation is important since it falls within the range of cardiac risk detection.

How can I lower my CRP?

You may be able to lower your CRP with diet, exercise, blood pressure management, cholesterol reduction, smoking cessation, and other heart-healthy efforts.

What is cardiovascular disease or CVD?

CVD, the leading cause of death worldwide, is an umbrella term encompassing all heart and blood vessel disorders, including clogged arteries (coronary heart disease), heart attacks, strokes, congenital heart abnormalities, and peripheral artery disease.

What will my results show?

The results of your hs-CRP test will show whether there is inflammation in your body, and may be used by your healthcare provider to help assess your cardiovascular risk.

What next steps should I take if my results show I have high levels of hs-CRP?

If your results show that you have high levels of hs-CRP you should talk with your healthcare provider, who can help assess your health risks and determine next steps.

Do high levels of hs-CRP mean I am at risk for a heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular disease?

Only a healthcare provider can review your test results, along with your medical history and symptoms, to assess your individual health risks.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

• Emory University. Poor sleep quality increases inflammation, community studyh finds. ScienceDaily. Published November 15, 2010. Accessed December 5, 2023. https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2010/11/101114161939.htm
• Prather AA, Vogelzangs N, Penninx BWJH. Sleep duration, insomnia, and markers of systemic inflammation: Results from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA). J Psychiatr Res. 2015;60:95-102. doi:10.1016/j.jpsychires.2014.09.018
• Dimitrov S, Hulteng E, Hong S. Inflammation and exercise: Inhibition of monocytic intracellular TNF production by acute exercise via β2-adrenergic activation. Brain, Behavior, and Immunity. 2017;61:60-68. doi: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.12.017
• Estruch R, Martínez-González MA, Corella D, et al. Effects of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on Cardiovascular Risk Factors: A Randomized Trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. Published July 4, 2006. doi: 10.7326/0003-4819-145-1-200607040-00004
• Arai Y, Martin-Ruiz C, Takayama M, et al. Inflammation, but not telomere length, predicts successful ageing at extreme old age: a longitudinal study of semi-supercentenarians. EBioMedicine. 2015;2(10):1549-1558. doi:10.1016/j.ebiom.2015.07.029

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

hsCRP Test for Inflammation Marker