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High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)

Cardiac Markers · also called Cardio-CRP, hsCRP

What it measures

hs-CRP measures low levels of CRP, an acute-phase protein made by the liver. At these low concentrations it reflects chronic low-grade vascular inflammation and is used as an add-on marker of cardiovascular risk.

Specimen and preparation

Specimen: Serum or lithium-heparin plasma
Tube: Gold top
Preparation: Test when well and free of infection for 2 weeks; repeat and average two results.

Reference range

Group	Range
Low cardiovascular risk	<1.0 mg/L
Average risk	1.0–3.0 mg/L
High risk	>3.0 mg/L

Reference ranges differ between laboratories, methods and populations. Always use the range printed on your own lab report.

Causes of high values

Increased atherosclerotic risk
Acute infection or inflammation
Smoking and obesity
Metabolic syndrome

Causes of low values

Statin therapy
Weight loss and exercise

Method

Latex-enhanced immunoturbidimetry

Good to know

Values above 10 mg/L indicate acute inflammation and are not valid for risk assessment; repeat later.

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