C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Test Code

CRP

Alias/See Also

Epic: LAB149

C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
CRP, Serum
Protein, C-Reactive
C-Reactive Protein, Serum

Preferred Specimen

Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 3 mL

Minimum Volume

0.10 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Specimen Type: Plasma
Collection Container: Green top (Lithium heparin)

Instructions

Centrifuge and separate cells after clot formation and within 4 hours of collection

Transport Container

Plastic vial

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 15 days
Refrigerated: 2 months
Frozen: 3 years

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Unlabeled, mislabeled, wrong tube type, QNS, hemolyzed.

Methodology

Turbidimetric / Immunoturbidimetric.

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

0.0 - 0.8 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose concentration rises non-specifically in response to inflammation. CRP is seen to increase as a result of the inflammatory process, most notably in response to pneumococcal (bacterial) infection, histolytic disease, and a variety of other disease states. CRP is used as a marker or general diagnostic indicator of infections and inflammation, in addition to serving as a monitor of patient response to pharmacological therapy and surgery.

Performing Laboratory
Inova Laboratories
2832 Juniper Street
Fairfax, VA 22031

Last Updated: March 6, 2023
Last Review: N. Wolford, March 6, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.