hs-CRP Test | High Sensitivity CRP | Heart Health

hsCRP Test for Inflammation Marker

Detect for low but persistent levels of inflammation. Healthcare professionals may use this test to help assess the relative risk of developing cardiovascular disease risk. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

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

Test type: In Person

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$65.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

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. 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

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

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

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

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 your results differ from expected ranges, you may receive an alert call from an independent healthcare coordinator. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ 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.

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Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

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Access results online as soon as they’re available.

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Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $79 fee.

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

In-home sample collection

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

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
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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