Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

CRP: What Does This Test Measure?

The CRP test measures the level of C-reactive protein produced mainly by the liver in response to inflammation.

Test summary

Test name: CRP
Abbreviations: CRP
Category: Inflammation / Acute Phase
Panel: Inflammation Assessment
Specimen: Serum / plasma
Common units: mg/L, mg/dL

What does the test measure?

The CRP test measures the level of C-reactive protein produced mainly by the liver in response to inflammation.

Why is the test ordered?

It is ordered to assess whether inflammation may be present, monitor inflammatory or infectious conditions, and add context to other clinical findings.

Information about a low result

A low value is usually not interpreted as a clinical problem by itself; the purpose of testing and laboratory context matter.

Information about a high result

High CRP can indicate inflammation but does not identify the cause by itself; it can occur with infections, autoimmune disease and many other inflammatory conditions.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

CRP is a nonspecific inflammation marker. Trend over time may be more informative than a single value and can be interpreted with ESR and clinical findings.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Rheumatology
Infectious Diseases
Family Medicine

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

CRP: High Result: What Does It Mean?

Sources

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · CRP testing, inflammation and nonspecific interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · ESR testing and nonspecific inflammation interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Procalcitonin Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Procalcitonin, systemic bacterial infection and sepsis context · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Prioritizing Health | hsCRP: A Promising Risk Assessment Tool — American College of Cardiology
Professional cardiovascular reference · 2025 · hsCRP cardiovascular risk context including ≥2 mg/L risk-enhancing threshold · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Fibrinogen blood test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · Fibrinogen purpose and example 200–400 mg/dL reference interval · Verified: Aug 12, 2026