Published: 12 Mar 2024

CRP is a protein that your liver makes.
A c-reactive protein test measures the level of c-reactive protein (CRP) in a sample of your blood. Those are signs of inflammation. This type of inflammation is usually helpful. High levels of CRP may mean you have a serious health condition that causes inflammation.
Inflammation is your body's way of protecting your tissues and helping them heal from an injury, infection, or other disease. For example, if you cut your skin, it may turn red, swell, and hurt for a few days. Chronic inflammation can also happen if your tissues are repeatedly injured or irritated, for example from smoking or chemicals in the environment.
A CRP test can show whether you have inflammation in your body and how much. Your liver releases more CRP into your bloodstream if you have inflammation in your body. Normally, you have low levels of c-reactive protein in your blood. Inflammation can also happen inside your body.
If inflammation lasts too long, it can damage healthy tissues. Inflammation can be acute (sudden) and temporary. This is called chronic (long-term) inflammation. Chronic infections, certain autoimmune disorders, and other diseases can cause harmful chronic inflammation. But the test can't show what's causing the inflammation or which part of your body is inflamed.

Consider also getting your eyes examined before or after your blood tests.Blood labs operate privately and do everything on site.
That means you get blood drawn in the same location as the blood analysis.
Sometimes, you'll get called when the results are ready for you to pick up. Then, you'll need to take them to your doctor. It's rarely as stressful as you think it'll be. Often, you're done within five minutes, give or take the waiting room time.
Sometimes, the lab will be located in a health center where multiple health services are offered. Your doctor may recommend one or your friends and family could recommend one.
Ultimately, you want to choose a lab that has a good reputation. When your doctor orders a blood test, you can take the request to your nearest lab. The technicians should be knowledgeable and friendly.
Do You Need to Get Routine Blood Tests Done? If you have upcoming routine blood work, don't worry. Other times, the lab will send the results directly to your doctor for you.
When choosing a lab, find a location that has good online reviews.