C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum
Use
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive acute-phase reactant for inflammation, synthesized by the liver. Measuring CRP can help detect systemic inflammatory processes and assess response to treatment of bacterial infections. It is useful for differentiating between active and inactive disease forms with concurrent infection, such as in systemic lupus erythematosus or ulcerative colitis. Persistent high CRP concentrations generally indicate an uncontrolled infection. Monitoring CRP levels postoperatively can aid in recognizing complications like infected wounds, thrombosis, and pneumonia.
Special Instructions
Indicate patient's age and sex when ordering. To assess cardiovascular risk, consider ordering HSCRP / C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity, Serum instead. Serum gel tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tubes should also be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours.
Limitations
Elevations in CRP are nonspecific and should not be interpreted without full clinical history. CRP response may be diminished in patients with liver disease.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunoturbidimetric Assay)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1988-5
- 1988-5
Result Turnaround Time
1-3 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Serum gel or red top, submitted in plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Serum gel tube should be centrifuged within 2 hours of collection. Red-top tube should be centrifuged and the serum aliquoted into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 365 days |