Cross Reactive Protein

Test Code

CRPI

Alias/See Also

CRP, CRP-Inflammation

CPT Codes
86140

Preferred Specimen

Plasma Green (PST)

Other Acceptable Specimens

Serum, (RED) and Gold (SST)
Plasma EDTA (LAV)
Centrifuge samples containing precipitates before performing the assay.
Avoid highly lipemic samples, which may produce excessively high scatter signals.

Specimen Stability

CRP specimens are stable for 11 days when stored at 20 - 25°C (room temperature) and 2 months when stored 2 - 8°C. For longer storage, freeze serum at <= -20°C.

Methodology
Beckman AU

Setup Schedule

24x7

Report Available

<1 day

Reference Range

0-3 Months Age: 0.0-15.0 mg/L
> 3 Months Age: 0.0-3.0 mg/L

Normal CRP over the first 24-48 hours of life or after suspected onset of an infection makes bacterial sepsis unlikely. CRP>10 mg/L indicates increased likelihood of sepsis, with stronger predictive value at higher CRP level. Serial CRP levels are useful in monitoring therapy
including decision to discontinue antibiotics.

Clinical Significance

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is used by a health practitioner to detect inflammation. CRP is an acute phase reactant, a protein made by the liver and released into the blood within a few hours after tissue injury, the start of an infection, or other cause of inflammation. The CRP test is not diagnostic of any condition, but it can be used together with signs and symptoms and other tests to evaluate an individual for an acute or chronic inflammatory condition.

Performing Laboratory
CRMC Laboratory
CCMC Laboratory

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.