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C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Test Code4420
CPT Codes
86140
Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 1 year
Refrigerated: 30 days
Frozen: 1 year
Methodology
Immunoturbidimetric
Setup Schedule
Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 1-3 days
Limitations
Oral contraceptives, IUDs, pregnancy, and menstruation may raise CRP levels. Levels are lowest during ovulation.
Clinical Significance
Increased CRP levels are found in inflammatory conditions including: bacterial infection, rheumatic fever, active arthritis, myocardial infarction, malignancies and in the post-operative state. This test cannot detect the relatively small elevations of CRP that are associated with increased cardiovascular risk.