hsCRP Test for Inflammation Marker

What

The hs-CRP Inflammation Marker Test measures C-reactive protein (CRP) levels with high sensitivity to help assess cardiovascular disease risk.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase

Orders not permitted in: AK, HI, AZ

How

Type of sample to be collected:
Blood (venipuncture - a needle is used to draw blood from a vein)

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of our Patient Service Centers.

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. CRP levels can rise as much as 1,000-fold after a serious event, and this test can help healthcare professionals diagnose and monitor severe inflammatory responses. The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is more sensitive than a CRP test and accurately detects low but persistent levels of inflammation, which may be associated with developing CVD. If your hs-CRP level is abnormal, a healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to help further assess your risk.

This test is right for you if you:

Are healthy and have no symptoms of cardiovascular disease
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

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

Our high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) Inflammation Marker Test is for anyone who wants to measure their hs-CRP to help assess their cardiovascular disease risk. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase.

You do not need to do anything special to prepare for the sample collection. This panel does not require fasting.

When your results are ready, we will send them to you in a clear, easy-to-read report.

You will have the option to speak with an independent physician to discuss your results.

If your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call to inform you.

Your test results will be available to you a few days after we collect your sample.

How Does it Work?

Take an in-person test at a Quest Diagnostics location.

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Schedule your appointment after purchasing a test to minimize wait time.

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Take control of your health

Conveniently shop and pay online for lab tests without a doctor's visit. An independent physician will review your request and if appropriate, confirm your order and offer oversight.

Schedule and manage your appointments

Conveniently schedule your appointment online at one of our Quest Diagnostics locations. Certain tests may also offer self-testing home delivery.

Get your reliable results online fast

View your results through your secure account online. And it's easy to share the result with your doctor.

Your results are available on our free, secure patient portal that you can access on your smartphone, tablet, or desktop. You will receive an email notification when your results are ready. You can also share your results with your doctor, family, or friends.

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.

hsCRP Test for Inflammation Marker

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