C-Reactive protein is one of the proteins made by the liver and the level deviates from the normal when there is any inflammation or infection in the body.
C-Reactive protein is one of the proteins made by the liver and the level deviates from the normal when there is any inflammation or infection in the body. This test is one of the important and simple tests to detect the infection, inflammation and autoimmune conditions in the body. This is also very helpful in determining the severe health risks of the heart and can even be very useful in determining serious health conditions like cancer and other abnormalities.
What is a CRP Test?
CRP test, or C-Reactive Protein test, is a test condition used to look for the protein that is produced by the liver. There is a particular normal range of this protein in the bloodstream and the level of this protein increases when there is any medical health condition. Various conditions can lead to the elevation of the CRP in the bloodstream and these conditions include:
- Used to detect various bacterial or viral infections of the patient
- To check the severity of inflammation
- To monitor treatment progress in inflammatory diseases
- As part of routine health checks, when unexplained fever, body aches, or fatigue occur
Purpose of the CRP Test
There are various purposes of the CRP test and these include:
- The test is used to look for bacterial infections
- The test is used to look for pneumonia
- The test is used to look for sepsis
- The test is used to monitor chronic conditions of inflammation
- The test is used to look for the diseases of heart
- It helps to detect the risk of heart disease
- It is used to help for the evaluation of the medical condition and determine whether further tests or medications.
- It helps to detect the conditions that often require surgery or to observe the recovery mode of the patient.
The CRP test isn’t specific for a disease, but is an excellent indicator of the presence and severity of inflammation.
CRP Test Cost & Price
The CRP test price depends on where you get it done, the type of lab, and whether it is a standard CRP or hs-CRP test.
On average:
- CRP test price in India: ₹300–₹800
- The price may vary from hospital to hospital or diagnostic laboratory to laboratory and also varies with the location of the hospital/diagnostic lab.
Always check:
- If the report includes reference ranges
- When the test is available, it is provided the same day or the next day.
CRP Test for Corona (COVID-19)
During the COVID-19 pandemic, crp test for coronavirus gained popularity.
Why?
- Because the test was used to look for severe infections of the lungs, as the CRP level gets elevated due to lung infection.
- Elevated CRP levels were one of the indicator that helps to detect whether the patient needs oxygen support or not. This also helps to confirm the need of steroid medications or care from a hospital.
- Doctors monitored CRP regularly to track disease progress.
This test was also very informative in current times to suspect the conditions of lungs like pneumonia, COVID-19 and the complications related to the conditions of COVID.
CRP Blood Test and Cancer
While the CRP blood test isn’t a diagnostic test for cancer itself, it can:
- Suggest the presence of inflammation related to tumors
- Help track disease progression or response to treatment
- Be part of a panel of tests (with tumor markers)
A persistently high CRP in a cancer patient may indicate disease activity or infection.
CRP Test in Babies and Children
Doctors often recommend a CRP test in babies or a CRP test in children when various conditions can be related to babies, and these include:
- When newly born babies have the conditions of irritability or fever
- When a doctor suspects some signs of infection in newborns.
- When there are very poor feeding patterns in children.
- When a doctor suspects lethargy in children or babies
- When a doctor suspects any viral infection in children or babies.
- When a doctor suspects conditions like pneumonia in children and babies
- When a doctor suspects conditions like UTI in children and babies
CRP Test Rate & Price in Delhi
In Delhi:
- CRP test price Delhi: ₹350–₹700
- Home collection or an urgent report may cost extra
Normal Range & Interpretation
- Typical CRP Test Normal Range:
- Below 3 mg/L (sometimes written as <10 mg/L in standard CRP tests)
- hs-CRP: used to predict heart disease risk
- <1 mg/L: low risk
- 1–3 mg/L: average risk
- 3 mg/L: high risk
- When CRP Levels are Higher, this Indicates:
- Occurrence of bacterial infection, when levels are often above 100 mg/L
- Higher levels of CRP protein in the bloodstream are an indication of severe inflammation.
- It is an indication of autoimmune abnormalities.
- This is also an indication of post-surgical complications.
Why CRP Levels Increase
Reasons include:
- It can be due to an infection with bacteria.
- It can be due to an infection or a virus.
- It can be due to the conditions of autoimmune disease.
- Trauma or surgery
- Obesity
How is the CRP Test Done?
Simple steps:
- The test involves a blood sample drawn from a vein.
- The sample goes to a lab
- Results often come in a few hours
No fasting or special preparation needed.
What are the Advantages of the CRP Test
Various advantages related to the CRP Test include:
- This test is quick
- This test is affordable
- Helps detect infection early
- Monitors treatment response
- This test is beneficial in babies and children
- This is used in all age groups like adults, senior citizens etc.
Limitations
- The test is not able to tell the exact types of disease
- There are variations in the levels of the person like age pregnancy etc.
- Should always be interpreted alongside symptoms and other investigations
When Should You Get a CRP Test?
Doctors may recommend it if you have:
- Persistent fever
- Unexplained fatigue or joint pain
- Post-surgery fever
- Monitoring an autoimmune disease flare
Click here to book a CRP test at affordable rates and quality results in Delhi NCR.
Conclusion
The CRP test is one of the most important and affordable tests to look for various health conditions in the body. The test gained popularity during COVID-19 because of its significance in showing the level of infection in patients. There are conditions which related to the lungs that need oxygen supply, medications, steroids and hospital care. CRP test was the benchmark at the time of COVID-19 to decide related to the conditions of the patient. One of the important advantages related to the test is that it was easy, affordable and results were available on the same day. The test is very effective in detecting the inflammation, infection, severity of the condition etc. The test applies to all age groups with slight deviations about age, pregnancy, and environmental factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)
What does CRP test mean?
It measures the amount of C-reactive protein in the blood to detect inflammation.
What is the normal CRP test range?
Usually below 3–10 mg/L depending on lab standards.
CRP test cost in India?
About ₹350–₹700 on average.
Can CRP test detect cancer?
Not directly, but it can indicate inflammation related to cancer.
Is CRP test done in babies?
Yes, to detect early infections or sepsis.
Can CRP test help monitor treatment?
Yes, falling levels usually mean recovery.-
