High Sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hsCRP)
Immunology
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].
Indications
Risk assessment of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease.
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.
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.
Turnaround Time
Within 10 days
Testing Frequency
Weekly
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.
Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.
Your contact for this test
Clare Del-Duca BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, MSc Pathological Science
Laboratory Manager - Immunology and Protein Reference Unit
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High Sensitivity C Reactive Protein (hsCRP)