CRP

CRP blood test

The CRP (C-reactive protein) test is performed during the process of diagnostic process of infection. Your doctor may order it if he or she suspects parasitic, fungal, bacterial or viral. The amount of protein concentration is related to the background of the infection and its intensity.

Significant increases in CRP concentration are observed in cases:

• inflammation (such as meningitis),
• bacterial or viral infection,
• urinary tract infections,
• burns,
• injury,
• in cancer,
• myocardial infarction,
• some autoimmune diseases,

CRP, or acute phase protein, is a plasma protein whose production increases in cases of inflammation and infection It is produced by the liver. As a result of infection, the concentration of CRP in the blood can increase up to 1000-fold in a day.

CRP concentration testing also helps determine the risk of diseases of the cardiovascular system, as long as we perform the test outside the period of illness, in which the concentration of CRP increases. The result of the test in such a case will determine the degree of risk of cardiovascular disease.

High CRP can also occur in patients with cancerous tumors malignancies, especially cancers of the hematopoietic system.

Please be sure to take the test

Before testing, it is important to remember that some medications alter the CRP concentrations. Such drugs are, for example, statins used to treat excessively high cholesterol levels, which lower CRP concentrations.

Previous to the test

What does the CRP test involve

The test involves taking a blood sample from the ulnar (elbow) vein into a test tube.

The blood collection procedure involves:

• disinfecting the skin,
• fitting a tourniquet,
• repetitive clenching of the fingers to expose the vein.

The blood collection lasts a short while, not longer than a few dozen seconds. After blood has been collected, the injection site should be compressed firmly, with the elbow in a straight position. The procedure lasts no more than a few minutes.

CRP – preparation for the test

1. No meals can be consumed for 8 hours before blood collection.
2. Blood should be collected in the morning.
3. If possible, the test should be performed before patients take their morning dose of medicines. However, such a decision must always be consulted with their physician.
4. Patients should always inform the blood-taking personnel about the medications, supplements and herbal preparations they use.

CRP test result

• Test results are available within 1 working day.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of a selected centre.
• The results can be accessed online. For this to be possible, it is necessary to collect a password at the reception desk of a selected centre.