What it measures
C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver and rises when there is inflammation in the body. The high-sensitivity test reads the very low levels that a standard CRP test cannot pick up, which is why it is used in heart risk checks.
Why people test it
- Measured as one marker of heart and circulation risk, alongside cholesterol.
- Used to look for low-level inflammation that a standard CRP test would report as normal.
- Sometimes repeated over time to follow long-running inflammation.
Typical range
Ranges vary between labs, with the method used, age and sex, and your report shows the lab's own range. An hs-CRP result is not read against the same range as a standard CRP test.
Finger-prick or vein?
A finger-prick sample is usually fine for hs-CRP. A vein draw works too and is used when it is part of a larger panel.
A recent infection, injury or very hard exercise can raise CRP for a while, so a result taken then may not show the usual level.