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C-Reactive Protein (CRP) – Serum Blood Test

The C-reactive protein is a classic acute phase protein and part of the immune system. CRP is synthesized in the liver, binds to dying cells or some bacteria and activates the complement system.

Standard value:

<5 mg/l.

Laboratory test method:

Exact measurement with immunoturbidimetry (see cystatin C) or ELISA. Semiquantitative measurement with latex agglutination test.

Indications:

Diagnosis and treatment monitoring of inflammatory diseases, after operations, tumor prognosis parameter.

Differential Diagnosis of Elevated CRP

• Reliable and significant increase in bacterial infections (faster than fever or leukocytosis), less pronounced in viral infections
• Advanced malignant tumors
• Tissue trauma
• Rheumatic diseases
• After surgery, CRP increases within 6 h until the 3rd postoperative day. Without infection or complications, CRP decreases with the 4th postoperative day and reaches (near) normal values around the 7th to 10th postoperative day.

References

  Deutsche Version: CRP im Serum