High Sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hsCRP)

Immunology

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Description

CRP measurement by high sensitivity methods can indicate the risk for future cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. Elevated values may be indicative of the prognosis of individuals with acute coronary syndromes or stable coronary disease. High sensitivity CRP (hsCRP)measurement should not be used as a substitute for assessment of traditional cardiovascular risk factors [1]. Individuals with evidence of active infection, inflammation or trauma should not be tested for cardiovascular disease risk assessment by hsCRP measurement until these conditions have abated. Two separate hsCRP measurements taken two weeks apart should be obtained before performing a risk assessment. In acute coronary syndromes CRP values >10 mg/L 6-24 hours post onset of symptoms are indicative of an increased risk for short term (30 days-1 year) recurrent cardiac events. It has been shown that hsCRP can add to the prognostic information when measured with standard lipid levels [1,2].

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Indications

Risk assessment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube) or 2mL Plasma (EDTA or Heparin). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

Normal range: 0-3 mg/L.Risk assessment guidelines:hsCRP <1.0 mg/L = Low risk.hsCRP 1.0-3.0 mg/L = Average risk.hsCRP >3.0 mg/L = High risk.Reference range established by manufacturer and verified in-house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 10 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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References

Pearson TA, et al. Markers of inflammation and cardiovascular disease: application in clinical and public health practice: A statement for healthcare professionals from the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Heart Association. Circulation. 2003. 107:499-511. [Ref 1]Ridker PM, et al. Comparison of C-reactive protein and low density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in the prediction of first cardiovascular events. NEJM. 2002. 347:1557-1565. [Ref 2]Ridker PM, Stampfer MJ, Rifai N. Novel risk factors for systemic atherosclerosis: a comparison of C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, homocysteine, lipoprotein a , and standard cholesterol screening as predictors of peripheral arterial disease. JAMA. 2001. 285:2481-2485.

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