A Complete Guide Regarding CRP Test Procedure, Uses and Cost

What is CRP test?

C-reactive protein also known as CRP is a pentameric protein synthesized by the liver and released into the bloodstream. It is an acute phase reactant and its circulating levels rise in response to inflammatory conditions of your body. Macrophages and T-cells in our body releases inflammatory mediators such as interleukin-6 and many cytokines that act on the liver and induces the synthesis and release of CRP into the plasma.

Functions of CRP

Role in early defense system of body against infections (known as innate immunity).
Activation of the complement system.
Enhance phagocytosis by macrophages.
Promote clearance of bacteria, necrotic cells and apoptotic bodies.

CRP test measures the level of CRP in your blood to rule out or detect any ongoing inflammatory process in your body. As compared to ESR (Erythrocyte sedimentation rate), CRP is a more sensitive parameter and an accurate reflection of acute phase response of the body.

Difference between CRP test and hs-CRP test?

The differences between CRP test and hs-CRP test are as following:

HS CRP stands for high sensitivity C-reactive protein. hs-CRP test is a more sensitive technique as compared to traditional CRP test.
HS -CRP test detects slight elevation in CRP level and measures CRP in the range of 0.5-10 mg/L whereas conventional CRP test evaluates only CRP in the range of 10-1000 mg/L.
As compared to hs-CRP test, standard CRP test is a rapid and less costly.
hs-CRP is a more accurate marker in the risk assessment of CVD (cardiovascular diseases) such as myocardial infarction (MI), atherosclerosis, sudden cardiac death, peripheral vascular diseases (PVD) and stroke, when compared to standard CRP test.

Why do I need a CRP test?

You may need a CRP test if you have symptoms or signs of infections or inflammations in your body such as:

Fever with chills
Recurrent nausea and vomiting
Tachycardia (increased heart rate than normal range)
Dyspnea (difficulty in breathing)
Tachypnea (Fast breathing)
Chronic fatigue
Swelling in the body
Persistent pain in any part of the body
Joint pain
Difficulty in joint movements
Persistent diarrhea
Changes in bowel activity
Changes in bladder activity etc.

High level of CRP is detected in which conditions?

An elevated level of CRP can be detected in the following conditions:

Bacterial infections
Fungal infections
Viral infections
Parasitic infections
Sepsis
Genital infections
Pelvic inflammatory diseases
Chronic inflammatory disorders
Chronic infections
IBD (Inflammatory bowel diseases) such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease.
Irritable bowel syndrome
Asthma
COPD (Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease)
Arthritis
Osteomyelitis
Heart diseases
Vasculitis
Diabetes
Obesity
Metabolic syndrome
Obstructive sleep apnea
Age-related macular degenerations
Malignancy/cancer
Depression
Stroke
Dementia
Auto-immune diseases:
SLE
Rheumatoid arthritis
Sjogren syndrome
Guillain barre syndrome
Injury or trauma
Burns
Pregnancy
After surgical procedures etc.

Which sample is required for CRP test?

Blood (Serum) sample is usually taken for CRP or hs-CRP test.

How do I prepare for CRP test?

Follow these simple steps if you are going for CRP or hs-CRP test:

Take an appointment: Fix an appointment for CRP or hs-CRP test in a diagnostic lab to avoid waiting at the time of test.
Food: You can take your usual meals. Fasting is usually not required for CRP if done alone. However, HS-CRP test is usually done in conjunction with lipid profile which requires overnight fasting.
Medications: Inform your doctor about all the drugs and supplements that you are currently taking. Certain drugs may alter the test result such as aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs. Your doctor may advice some modifications before the test if required.
Exercise: Avoid strenuous exercise before the test as it may alter test results.
Smoking: Avoid smoking before the test as it may affect the test results.

What is the procedure for CRP or hs-CRP test?

The procedure of CRP or hs-CRP test includes the following steps:

First a torniquet will be tied around your arm.
Then a cotton swab soaked with 70% alcohol is used to clean/disinfect the injection site before needle insertion.
Then a small needle will be inserted in the vein of your arm and required amount of blood is withdrawn from it and collected in a test tube.
Then the needle is removed and an adhesive sticker is placed on the puncture site to prevent it from infections.
Sample is sent to laboratory for further processing and testing.

What are the risks and side effects of CRP or hs-CRP test?

CRP or HS-CRP test is a safe procedure with usually no side effects and is used for screening and evaluation of chronic inflammatory diseases or conditions affecting your body. However, some individuals may experience some of the side effects as mentioned below:

Pain at injection site.
Hematoma
Multiple punctures to locate vein in those where veins are not easily accessible.
Bleeding at puncture site, especially patients having bleeding or clotting disorders or those on anticoagulant therapy.
Infection at puncture site
Thrombophlebitis.

How long it takes to get CRP test report?

CRP or hs-CRP test reports are usually available within 24 hours of sample collection.

CRP and hs-CRP test report analysis?

Normal range of CRP test may vary from lab to lab as different labs follow different references. Usually, CRP report can be summarized as following:

HS-CRP report can be summarized as following:

Level of HS-CRP	Interpretation
<1 mg/L	Low risk of CVD
1-3 mg/L	Average risk CVD
>3 mg/L	High risk of CVD

Description of terms used:

mg/dL: milligram per deciliter

mg/L: milligram per liter

CVD: Cardiovascular disease.

Cost of CRP test in Delhi?

Price of CRP or hs-CRP test depends upon many factors such as city and locality. Different diagnostic labs charges according to the quality of machines they have and various offers that they are providing to their customers.

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging centre (GDIC), Rohini also known as GDIC is currently offering 50% discounts on various blood tests including CRP and hs-CRP test.

Our centers are NABH and NABL accredited and equipped with modern, highly expensive machines with latest cutting-edge technologies and highly skilled Radiologists and Pathologists.We follow strict aseptic conditions to prevent transmission of infections.

The Tests that are conducted at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Center are as follows:

Hurry! Grab the best deals now!

Best diagnostic centre for CRP or HS-CRP test in Delhi?

Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center (GDIC) is the best diagnostic center for CRP or HS-CRP test in Rohini, North-East Delhi.

We have many branches in different locations of Delhi including Hari Nagar, Yamuna Vihar, Nangloi, Derawal Nagar and Mangol puri. Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging center is now considered one of the most popular and affordable Diagnostic centers in Delhi.

We provide high standard quality services to our patients. Our labs are NABH and NABL certified. Genuine reporting and Patient satisfaction are our top priority. We offer seamless integration between diagnosis and treatment planning. Currently, we are offering 50% discount on various types of Blood tests including CRP and hs-CRP test.

We are open 24x7 and 365 days. You can also avail free Consultation with our Pathologist regarding any blood test or imaging scans.

We also offer facilities of online reporting, free home sample collection and free Ambulance services in Delhi, NCR. We are empanelled with various departments and organizations. So, you can get the services at panel rate too.