CRP blood test: what should you know?

CRP is made mainly by the liver as part of the body's response to inflammation. A raised result can occur with infection, tissue injury or an inflammatory condition, but it does not identify the cause by itself. A lower result does not rule out every illness. Clinicians interpret the result with your examination, symptom pattern, medical history and sometimes other tests.

Ask when and how the result will be explained, and provide a list of medicines and supplements. Do not start antibiotics or anti-inflammatory treatment solely because CRP is raised. Your clinician may recommend observation, repeat testing or assessment for a specific cause, such as an infection or inflammatory bowel condition.

Seek urgent care for severe breathing difficulty, confusion, fainting, severe dehydration, persistent chest pain or rapidly worsening illness. Contact your clinician promptly if fever persists, you cannot keep fluids down, or your symptoms are worsening even if the CRP result is described as reassuring.

Ask what your result means in the context of your symptoms, whether another test is needed, and what change would require review. Ask whether medicines, a recent infection or a chronic condition could influence interpretation.