C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is used to detect acute infections and inflammation. CRP is an acute phase reactant (which means its levels increase in acute infections). It is a protein synthesised in the liver and released into the blood within a few hours of tissue injury, infection or inflammation. The CRP test is not a diagnostic test, but it can be used to evaluate for an acute or chronic inflammatory condition, along with signs and symptoms and other tests. CRP can be used to detect and/or to monitor significant inflammation in acute conditions such as: severe bacterial infection like sepsis, fungal infections, pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). CRP levels are also increased in several other conditions like burns, trauma, heart attack, inflammatory bowel disease, certain cancers and chronic inflammatory conditions such as lupus, vasculitis rheumatoid arthritis. CRP test is also used to detect flare-ups and/or to determine if treatment is effective. It along with ESR serves as a general marker for infection and inflammation. liver failure and Interferon alpha inhibit CRP production from liver cells.