CRP
C Reactive protein A C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of C-reactive protein — a protein made by your liver — in your blood. Your liver releases CRP into your bloodstream in response to inflammation. When your body encounters an offending agent (like viruses, bacteria or toxic chemicals) or you have an injury, it activates your immune system. Your immune system sends out its first responders: inflammatory cells and cytokines. These cells begin an inflammatory response to trap bacteria and other offending agents or start healing injured tissue. The result can be pain, swelling, bruising or redness . But inflammation also affects body systems you can’t see, such as your joints. You normally have low levels of CRP in your blood. Moderately to severely elevated levels may be a sign of a serious infection or other inflammatory condition. Why do healthcare providers perform CRP tests? Healthcare providers typically order a C-reactive protein (CRP) test to help diagnose or ru