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Laboratory tests play a key role in diagnosing various diseases and monitoring the health of patients.One of the parameters that is often measured is CRP, i.e. C-reactive protein.In this article, we will discuss what CRP is, when it is worth performing the test, what the norms are and what an elevated level of this protein means.
C-reactive protein, or CRP, is a substance produced by the liver in response to the presence of inflammation in the body.This is a kind of indicator that can help identify inflammation and assess the scale of the inflammatory reaction.
CRP testing is performed in a variety of clinical situations, including:
CRP and ESR (inflammation index) are two different parameters that measure the body’s response to inflammation.CRP is a more specific indicator than ESR, which means it can respond more quickly to changes in the body.However, ESR is also a useful diagnostic tool and both indicators can be used simultaneously to more accurately assess the patient’s condition.
Normal blood CRP levels are usually below 1 mg/L.However, these values may vary depending on the laboratory, so you should always consult the test results with a doctor who will interpret them precisely.Elevated CRP levels may indicate the presence of inflammation or another health problem.
Elevated CRP levels can be the result of various diseases and inflammations, such as:
Elevated CRP may also occur after surgery or trauma.
In the case of bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections, CRP levels may increase rapidly.This usually results from the body’s response to the presence of pathogens and inflammation.
Elevated CRP levels may be associated with the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as coronary heart disease and heart attack.CRP testing may be used as a tool to assess cardiovascular risk in some patients.
Testing CRP levels may also be used to monitor certain types of cancer.Although CRP itself is not a diagnostic test for cancer, elevated levels may be an indicator of inflammation associated with cancer.
During pregnancy and in children, CRP levels may differ from the norm in adults.This is due to the natural changes that occur in the bodies of pregnant women and children during the period of growth and development.The doctor always evaluates these results in the context of the patient’s age and condition.
The HS-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) test is a more precise version of the CRP level test that can detect lower levels of this protein.It is used to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease in people at low or moderate risk and for prevention.
CRP level testing does not require any special preparation and there is no need to fast.They can be done at any time of the day.
The price of a CRP level test may vary depending on the laboratory and region.In some cases, this test may be reimbursed by the National Health Fund if there is an appropriate referral from a doctor.
There are also home tests available on the market to test CRP levels.However, their reliability may be limited compared to laboratory tests performed in specialized laboratories.It is always worth consulting the results of such tests with a doctor for proper interpretation.
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If you are interested in health and laboratory tests, we also recommend reading our other articles on this topic.You will learn more about various aspects of medical diagnosis.