What is CRP?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance found in human blood. The body produces this protein in response to infection, making it a substance that can be focused on blood tests looking for signs of systemic infections. The CRP test is a fast and relatively painless procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis at a hospital or medical clinic and can provide rapid information about the patient's condition.

Under normal conditions, low levels of CRP are present in the blood. When infection occurs, liver and fat cells begin to produce CRP, on levels that may vary depending on the nature of the infection. Specific diseases can sometimes attach specific sugars to this protein, leaving fingerprints that have potential diagnostic use. Once the infection is resolved, the protein disintegrates and returns to negligible or low levels.

If a physician suspects that the patient may have an infection, a blood test may be ordered to check the levels of the CRPA other substances in the blood. The test can beAlso use to monitor the procedure of chronic state, such as cancer or arthritis, and to see how the body reacts to a particular medicine. If protein levels fall after the drug change, it suggests that the drug can work, causing the infection to die. Normal ranges for CRP differ depending on the patient and their medical history.

In addition to being useful in the evaluation of specific health conditions, the levels of this protein can also be used as a scale for general health. Using what is known as a highly sensitive CRP test (HS-CRP), the laboratory can detect a very low level of CRP present in the blood of people without active infections. Higher levels of the surrounding CRP seem to be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension and diabetes.

In addition to Infestian, several other things seem to affect the production of this protein. A large amount of fat in the diet can cause fromrising, especially if the fat comes from transfats. It also seems that pregnancy increases CRP levels as well as the use of hormonal contraceptive products. Liver disease can also change the level of these proteins in the blood because the liver is involved in the production of C-reactive protein. If the HS-CRP test returns with a somewhat high level, the doctor may ask several questions to exclude these potential causes.