Clinical Information

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose concentration rises non-specifically in response to inflammation. CRP increases as a result of the inflammatory process, most notably in response to pneumococcal (bacterial) infection, histolytic disease, and a variety of other disease states. Intraindividual variation is a major limitation of the assay when the assay is used for directing therapies. Intra-individual variations of the CRP levels range from 30% to 60%. Serial measurement may be required to estimate true mean of CRP depending on the intended use in any specific individual. 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.

High sensitivity CRP (CRP HS) is used in the assessment of risk of developing myocardial infarction in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes as well as the risk of developing cardiovascular disease or ischemic events in individuals who do not manifest disease at present. Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and CRP HS has been endorsed by multiple guidelines as a biomarker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.