C-reactive protein and high-sensitivity CRP (S-hsCRP) 

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C-reactive protein and high-sensitivity CRP (S-hsCRP) 

C-reactive protein, CRP

CRP stands for C-reactive protein. CRP is a protein produced by liver cells, the level of which increases significantly in a wide range of infections and tissue damage. The level of CRP increases as quickly as 6–12 hours from the onset of the infection, making it a very useful test for inflammation. 

The C-reactive protein test enables us to examine the inflammatory state of the body. Inflammation can arise as a result of unhealthy habits, infectious diseases caused by virus or bacteria, or issues such as autoimmune diseases or a reaction to an injury. CRP also increases in tissue damage such as heart attack.

Why is CRP tested in conjunction with ferritin measurement?

CRP is also determined alongside ferritin measurement. Ferritin levels often rise during infections or other inflammatory conditions. For this reason, when determining ferritin levels, CRP should also be measured. Generally, it is not advisable to measure ferritin during an acute febrile infection or when one still feels like being in the recovery phase.

Reference value for CRP

CRP value of a healthy person is under 10 mg/L.

Severe bacterial infections can raise the CRP levels to more than 100 mg/L. For example, in pneumonia or inflammation of the renal pelvis, the CRP value can increase to 200 mg/L, in blood poisoning, the value can reach up to 500 mg/L.

Reference value for high-sensitivity CRP (S-hsCRP) 

Assessing the risk of cardiovascular diseases using high-sensitivity CRP:

If measured during a time when the body is not fighting any acute bacterial, viral or other infections, the result of the high-sensitivity CRP test can reveal silent inflammation in the body. If the high-sensitivity CRP value is at least 2 or 3 mg/L, it may indicate silent inflammation.

An elevated value is significant if the finding is confirmed in a repeated measurement a few weeks later. A single elevated value could be due to natural variability or a false finding.

How can I get my high-sensitivity CRP tested?

You can order the S-hsCRP as a single test from Puhti’s online store. Add the desired products to the shopping cart and complete all the tests at once.

No sampling fee for orders over EUR 40! A sampling fee of EUR 10 will be added to smaller orders. 

The S-hsCRP test is included in the following test packages:

• Puhti laboratory package
• Extensive Puhti laboratory package women
• Extensive Puhti laboratory package men

First, order the tests you need via Puhti. You do not need a doctor’s referral. You can visit one of our many laboratories in Finland. Most of the laboratories also serve customers without an appointment. You will receive an easy-to-read results report.

What affects the CRP level?

• Medications. Certain drugs can reduce CRP levels. These include some pain relievers, such as ibuprofen and aspirin, or statins. Anti-inflammatory drugs and statins aim to reduce inflammation, which in turn lowers CRP levels.
• Avoid testing when ill. Any recent illnesses, tissue damage, infections, and other common inflammations raise CRP levels. The person undergoing the test should be in good health for reliable results in assessing the risk of cardiovascular and coronary artery diseases.
• Hormone replacement therapy increases CRP concentration.

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