Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood
- Fasting: No special preparation is required
- Turnaround: 3-5 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What This Test Measures
This test measures the level of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) in your blood. Hs-CRP is a protein that can rise when there is inflammation in the body, including low-grade inflammation that standard CRP tests may not detect. This test reports a quantitative concentration of hs-CRP, giving you and your healthcare provider a specific numeric result rather than a simple positive or negative finding.
Hs-CRP itself is not a direct measure of cardiovascular disease. Instead, it reflects a general inflammatory process in the body that research has associated with atherosclerosis, the buildup of cholesterol and lipids in blood vessels. Your provider can use this single biomarker result, alongside other clinical information, when considering your overall cardiovascular risk picture.
Benefits
- Measures hs-CRP, a marker linked to low-grade inflammation
- Provides a specific, quantitative blood level result
- Requires no special preparation before testing
- Offers a data point to help discuss cardiovascular risk factors
- Can support tracking of lifestyle or treatment changes over time
- Uses a simple blood draw with no fasting needed
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with an increased risk profile for cardiovascular disease
- Men 50 years old or younger and women 60 years old or younger
- Individuals with pre-existing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or inflammatory conditions
- Individuals with elevated cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, or glucose levels
- Individuals who smoke or have high blood pressure (hypertension)
- People wanting a data point to help monitor lifestyle or treatment changes
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures the level of hs-CRP in your blood. Elevated hs-CRP reflects low-grade inflammation, which research has linked to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular risk. Your healthcare provider may use this measurement, along with other clinical findings, to help evaluate your general cardiovascular risk profile. This test does not diagnose cardiovascular disease on its own and is not a complete evaluation of heart health.
2. Who should consider this test, and when?
This test may be appropriate if you have known cardiovascular risk factors, including men 50 years old or younger and women 60 years old or younger, individuals with pre-existing heart disease, diabetes, kidney disease, or inflammatory conditions, and those with elevated cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, or glucose. Smokers and individuals with high blood pressure may also consider this test as part of a broader risk discussion with their provider. It can also be useful if you want a data point to help monitor changes related to lifestyle adjustments or treatment your healthcare provider has recommended. This test is one data point and does not replace a full medical evaluation of your cardiovascular health.
3. How does this test differ from other testing?
This test reports hs-CRP as a specific, quantitative concentration rather than a simple positive or negative outcome. It is a directly measured value, not a calculated ratio or index, and it measures only hs-CRP — it does not include other cardiovascular or inflammatory biomarkers.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
No special preparation is required for this test.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are generally available in 3-5 days. Results may take longer based on weather, holidays, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
The meaning of your hs-CRP result depends on your individual health history, symptoms, medications, and other laboratory findings. An elevated or normal result on its own does not confirm or rule out cardiovascular disease. Because hs-CRP reflects general inflammation, results should be considered alongside your full clinical picture. Discuss your specific result with a qualified healthcare provider who can interpret it in the context of your health.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
Review the result with a qualified healthcare provider, who can help determine whether additional evaluation or testing is appropriate. Do not attempt to interpret or act on this result without professional guidance.
8. How often should I get tested?
There is no set testing schedule for this test. How often you are tested should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual risk factors and health goals. Follow their guidance for repeat testing as directed.
Pre-test preparation
No special preparation is required for this test.
