How can I interpret my CRP results?
CRP is an abbreviation for C-reactive protein, a substance produced by the body during the inflammatory process. The results of CRP can help diagnose the conditions in which inflammation occurs or monitors the reaction to the treatment of such conditions. The results of CRP are obtained from the CRP test, a routine blood test performed on a blood sample taken from a vein. Depending on the test caring laboratory, normal CRP levels range between 0 and 1 mg/dl (less than 10 mg/l).
When inflammation occurs, either acutely, such as after trauma or in acute disease, or chronically, such as arthritis or inflammatory disease. The results of CRP, which are high, show that inflammation, acute or chronically. Doctors use CRP results for both diagnostics and treatment monitoring. As the body reacts to treatment, inflammation should be withdrawn and CRP levels should decrease.
CRP results can be high in a series of acute situces. Injuries such as trauma causing inflammation can increase them while it isthe area ignited. CRP levels are also often increased after myocardial or heart attack. Increasing CRP after surgery may indicate postoperative infection, which requires further research. CRP can also increase late during pregnancy. In the event of liver failure, it may decrease.
In the case of multiple chronic conditions such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, the results of CRP are used as part of a number of diagnostic tests. Treatment of these conditions is often aimed at reducing inflammation with them because this is often the cause of their symptoms. CRP monitoring and check that it is decreasing is one of the indications that treatment works.
Sometimes healthy people are tested on CRP to assess their risk of heart disease. This is performed by a CRP test with high specificitoutteration, as the increase in CRP can be very small. This increase may warn patients of higher risk of heart disease and therefore promotes tacticsPrevention such as lifestyle changes.
While CRP results can be useful, they are not used solely for diagnosis or monitoring of treatment. The CRP test is only one test that can be carried out in combination with others, such as the number of white cells in the case of acute infection, and used doctors to ensure optimal medical care and treatment. Subsequent tests can be recommended according to the results of CRP.