High Sensitivity CRP Test

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or hs-CRP test is a type of blood test that detects the lower levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). C- reactive protein (CRP) is a protein that increases in the blood with infection and inflammation. hs-CRP can be performed to find the risk for heart disease and stroke in people who do not have pre-existing heart disease. The test can also be used to help predict how effectively a person might recover, who has a heart disease or to predict how the person might respond to treatment.

 

hs-CRP test is slightly different than the standard CRP test. The standard CRP test evaluates high levels of the protein to find different diseases that cause inflammation. hs-CRP test accurately measures low levels and focuses on the risk of heart disease and stroke.  
High sensitivity- CRP is a growing test for cardiac risk markers and can be used to determine an individual's risk of developing heart disease. This more sensitive test can evaluate CRP levels that are within the higher end of the reference range. These normal but slightly elevated levels of CRP in healthy individuals can predict the future risk of a heart attack, stroke, cardiac death, and peripheral arterial disease, even when cholesterol levels are within an average range.

 

Why the test is done

The hs-CRP test is a useful pathological test that helps to assess the risk of a heart attack and stroke.
hs- CRP test reports can help the doctor make decisions about how to reduce the risk or whether to conduct any further tests. However, the connection between hs-CRP levels and the risk of heart attack and stroke are not known completely. But high levels may indicate inflammation in the lining of the arteries. This may damage the arteries and raise the risk of a heart attack and cardiovascular disease.

 

Preparation

 

1. No special preparation is required for an hs-CRP test. However, the patient might be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test. Make sure to check with your testing center.

2. Make sure to inform the doctor about all the medicines a person take, even over-the-counter ones. Some medicine can alter the results of this test.

 

3. Talk to the doctor about any concerns an individual has regarding the need for the test, its risks, what the procedure is, and what the results will imply.

 

Procedure

The health professional will take a blood sample from the arm's veins with the help of a needle. The blood is transferred into a vial and analyze in the laboratory.

 

Risks

There is very little chance of risk from having a blood sample taken from a vein. An individual may get a small bruise at the site. This chance of bruising can be reduced by applying pressure on the punctured site for a few minutes.
In very rare cases, the vein may become swollen after the blood sample is withdrawn. This problem is known as phlebitis. An individual can use a warm compression several times a day to manage this.

 

What affects the test

A person may not be able to have the test, or the results may not be helpful if that person:

 

• Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Had an illness, any tissue injury, an infection, or other general inflammation recently.
• Have been on hormone therapy.
• Have chronic inflammation, such as arthritis.

 

[Always consult your doctor for any questions or clarifications]

 

Sources:
https://www.uofmhealth.org/health-library/abq4481
https://labtestsonline.org/tests/high-sensitivity-c-reactive-protein-hs-crp