Synonyms

CRP

Clinical Indications

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is the most sensitive acute phase protein and is the assay of choice in most situations when detection or monitoring of the acute phase response is required. CRP is specific for the acute phase response and unlike ESR is not elevated due to other causes. It has a rapid response time and will rise within two hours of acute insult (surgery, infection, etc.). CRP has a short half life (8 hours) and should peak and begin decreasing within 48 hours if no other inflammatory event occurs. It's catabolism is not affected by the type of inflammation.

Request Form

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black)

Availability

On request. 

Turnaround Time

Same day

Specimen

Serum

Volume

2 ml

Container

Yellow top (SST) tube

Causes for Rejection

Unlabelled sample.

Reference Range

Most patients (90%) without organic disease have CRP levels less than 3mg/L and 99% have levels less than 10mg/L. Neonates are unable to induce CRP synthesis to the same extent and the neonatal reference range is lower.
Adult: less than 8 mg/L; Neonates: less than 3.5 mg/L
Slightly higher CRP levels may be found in pregnancy, but any increase is usually within the reference range quoted.

Interpretation

Guidelines on use of CRP are available