C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

CRP (C-reactive Protein)

What To Think About

• High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures very low amounts of CRP in the blood. This test may be helpful in predicting your risk for heart problems, especially when it is combined with total cholesterol and HDL cholesterol tests.
• High CRP levels before a major surgery may indicate that you are at risk for developing an infection after surgery.
• CRP testing can be used to see how well you respond to cancer treatment or treatment for an infection. Your CRP levels will rise quickly and then quickly return to normal if the treatment is working.
• High CRP levels may increase your chances of having other diseases, such as age-related macular degeneration and colon cancer.

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Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: April 21, 2006
Medical Review:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
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