C-Reactive Protein Test

What's the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?

hs-CRP (high-sensitivity CRP) can detect much smaller elevations than a standard CRP test and is used primarily for assessing long-term cardiovascular risk, whereas standard CRP is used to detect active inflammation or infection.

Does CRP tell my doctor exactly what's wrong?

No — CRP is non-specific, meaning it rises with many different types of inflammation and infection. Your doctor uses it alongside your symptoms and other tests to pinpoint the actual cause.

How quickly does CRP respond to treatment?

CRP levels can fall significantly within just a few days of effective treatment, making it a useful tool for tracking whether an infection or inflammatory flare is responding as expected.

Can CRP be elevated without any obvious illness?

Yes, mild CRP elevation can occur with obesity, smoking, chronic low-grade inflammation, or even after strenuous exercise, so isolated mild elevations aren't always clinically significant.