CRP

Table of Contents

What is C-Reactive Protein?

The c-reactive protein, also known as a CRP test measures the level of a specific protein in your blood called c-reactive protein.  This protein is produced by the liver and signals acute inflammation.  This test is non-specific, a high CRP indicates inflammation but not the cause or location.

Why it is done?

This test is used in conjunction with other tests to diagnose Lupus and to monitor disease activity. 

How is it done?

Laboratories take a small sample of blood, usually from the arm.  The amount of c-reactive protein is measured.

Normal Levels: (normal values may vary from lab to lab)

A normal c-reactive protein level is less than 10 mg/liter.

What a negative C-Reactive Protein means:

A negative c-reactive protein does not necessarily indicate that no inflammation is present.

What a positive C-Reactive Protein means:

High crp levels indicate that inflammation is present.  As stated previously, this test does not indicate the location or cause of the inflammation.