What is the CRP blood test?

CRP stands for C-reactive protein. The C-reactive protein test in routine blood work is a diagnostic tool used to measure the level of C-reactive protein in the blood. It is often used in conjunction with other blood test indicators to assist in determining whether inflammation, infection, or other abnormalities exist in the body. Detailed analysis is as follows:

C-reactive protein is a type of protein synthesized by the liver in response to bodily stimulation. Normally, its levels are low. However, when bacterial infection, tissue damage, or chronic inflammation occurs, the level of C-reactive protein rises rapidly. This test can help distinguish types of infections—for example, CRP levels typically rise significantly during bacterial infections but less so during viral infections. It can also assist in assessing the severity of inflammation and the effectiveness of treatment, thus serving as an important reference in diagnosing and treating various diseases such as respiratory infections, trauma, and arthritis.

Before undergoing this test, fasting is not required and normal eating is acceptable. However, strenuous exercise and staying up late should be avoided as these may affect the test results. During blood collection, please cooperate with the medical staff. After the blood draw, apply pressure to the puncture site until the bleeding stops. Once the results are available, they should be interpreted in combination with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests by a physician. Do not make independent conclusions based solely on this result. If the value is abnormal, follow your doctor's instructions for further testing or treatment.