CRP test

When should the CRP test be done?

The CRP test is done during the diagnostic process of infections. A physician may prescribe this test if s/he suspects, for example, parasitic, fungal, bacterial or viral infection. The value of protein concentration is associated with infection and its intensity.

A significant increase in CRP concentration levels can be observed in the following cases:

• inflammations (e.g. meningitis),
• bacterial or viral infections,
• urinary tract infections,
• burns,
• injuries,
• neoplastic diseases,
• myocardial infarction,
• certain autoimmune diseases.

CRP, or C Reactive Protein, is a plasma protein whose production increases in the case of inflammation or infection. It is produced by the liver. An infection may cause even a 1000-fold increase in blood CRP levels within one day.

The CRP concentration test also helps to determine the risk of circulatory diseases. However, for the result to be reliable, the test must be performed when the patient is otherwise healthy, because CRP concentration levels increase during illness. In such a case, the test result will determine the risk of cardiovascular diseases.

High CRP values may also occur in patients with malignancies, such as cancers of the haematopoietic system.

Before the test, it is important to remember that certain drugs change the CRP concentration levels. They include, for example, statins used in the treatment of excessive cholesterol levels, which decrease the concentration of CRP.

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.