Read this post and understand what a CRP blood test is, along with essential information, like why is it done, how it is done, what its positive results indicate, what are the risks involved, and what its average cost is.
C-reactive protein or CRP is a blood protein whose physiological role is to bind to phosphocholine expressed on the surface of dead or damaged cells. Its level rises in response to inflammation. CRP is produced by the liver in your body.
The normal level of C-reactive protein in an average healthy person's blood is 4.9 milligrams per liter. The optimal level would be under 2 mg/L. The blood test, which measures the level of CRP protein is called CRP blood test or C-reactive protein test.
Basics
C-reactive protein measures general levels of inflammation in your body. The level of C-reactive protein increases when you suffer from infections and chronic diseases. The blood test which is performed to measure the concentration of C-reactive protein in your blood is called CRP blood test.
This test can only give the information on the concentration of C-reactive protein in the blood, and hence whether inflammation is there or not. It cannot give any data on the location and causes of the inflammation.
Why is it Done?
The reason why a medical professional performs or asks for this test is to check for the physical response of a patient who has undergone some sort of surgical operation. The level of C-reactive protein normally rises within 2 - 6 hours of surgery. It goes down by the third or fourth day. If it remains high even after the fourth day of surgery, it indicates an infection.
Medical practitioners believe that there is some connection between high CRP levels and heart attack. The belief is based merely on common observation and lacks sufficient scientific facts.
One possible reason can be that the inflammation can damage the inner lining of the arteries, which in turn, can increase the risk of heart attack. A special kind of CRP test called the high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP) is done to determine the probability of a sudden heart problem after surgery.
How is it Done?
The medical professional will wrap an elastic band around your upper arm. The purpose is to stop the flow of blood, thereby make the veins below the band larger so that a needle can be easily put into the vein. The professional will clean the site on your upper arm with alcohol. He will put the needle into the vein. The blood needs to be drawn into a tube.
So, he will attach the needle with a tube. When required amount of blood has been drawn, he will take out the needle and remove the band from your arm. He will put some pressure on the site with a cotton ball or a gauze pad. He will then cover the site with a bandage. This completes the C-reactive protein test.
What Does a Positive Result Indicate?
A positive result means that you may have the inflammation in your body. This may be due to a number of medical conditions. Some of them are mentioned below.
Cancer
Pneumococcal pneumonia
Connective tissue disease
Rheumatic fever
Tuberculosis
Infection
Inflammatory bowel syndrome
Heart attack
Lupus
Risks Associated
Though little, yet there is always possibility that you have to suffer from taking out of blood from your body. Veins and arteries differ in size from one patient to another. They also vary from one side of the body to the other.
Therefore, taking blood out from one person may be more or less difficult from another. There are a number of risks associated with this test. Some of them are excessive bleeding, fainting, lightheadedness, hematoma, and infection.
Cost
The cost of a C-reactive protein test depends upon the type of laboratory you get it done from. On an average, you have to pay anywhere between USD 10 and USD 120.
By going through the given account, you must have to know about the importance of CRP blood test. As now you know why a doctor asks you to undergo this test, you should walk down to his clinic with confidence on the day of sample collection.
Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only, and should not be used as a replacement for expert medical advice.