Blood Test Information

C-Reactive protein
(a.k.a CRP)
minimum sample volume required ~ 5ml

back to assay index

Test Code: CRP

Tube type: SST

Reference range
<5

Units
mg/L

Turnaround Time
1 day

Department: Biochemistry

Clinical Application

CRP versus Plasma viscosity:
C-Reactive Protein is an acute phase reactant. Compared with plasma viscosity it is elevated earlier in infection (6 - 10 hours) and it has a shorter half-life (48 hours). It tends not to be elevated in viral infections, leukaemia/lymphoma or connective tissue disease. It therefore has specific value as an early pointer to bacterial infection and subsequently to monitor response to antibiotics. Viscosity is used more when looking at CT disease/certain cancers.