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HelpTest ID HSCRP C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity, Serum
Ordering Guidance
This assay should be used to assess risk of cardiovascular disease or events.
To monitor or assess other inflammatory disorders, order CRP / C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum.
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Cardiovascular Test Request Form (T724) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
606909Useful For
Assessment of risk of developing myocardial infarction in patients presenting with acute coronary syndromes
Assessment of risk of developing cardiovascular disease or ischemic events in individuals who do not manifest disease at present
Method Name
Immunoturbidimetry
Reporting Name
C-Reactive Protein, High Sens, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 7 days |
| Frozen | 30 days |
Clinical Information
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation. Serum CRP concentrations increase rapidly and dramatically (100-fold or more) in response to tissue injury or inflammation. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is more precise than standard CRP when measuring baseline (ie, normal) concentrations and enables a measure of chronic inflammation.
Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease and hs-CRP has been endorsed by multiple guidelines as a biomarker of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk.(1-3)
A large prospective clinical trial demonstrated significantly less cardiovascular risk for patients with hs-CRP less than 2.0 mg/L.(1) More aggressive treatment strategies may be warranted in patients with hs-CRP of 2.0 mg/L or higher.
Reference Values
≥18 years: <2.0 mg/L
Reference values have not been established for patients who are less than18 years of age.
Cautions
This test is recommended for cardiovascular risk assessment only.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute-phase reactant and has high intra-individual variability. Therefore, a single test for high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) may not reflect an individual patient's basal hs-CRP level. Repeat measurement may be required to firmly establish an individual's basal hs-CRP concentration. The lowest of the measurements should be used as the predictive value.
Because CRP is an acute-phase reactant, measurements in apparently healthy individuals may not truly reflect the basal level if inflammation is present.
This hs-CRP assay should be used as a means to assess risk of cardiovascular disease or events. A different CRP test (CRP / C-Reactive Protein [CRP], Serum) should be used to monitor or assess other inflammatory disorders.
Significantly decreased CRP values may be obtained from samples taken from patients who have been treated with carboxypenicillins.(4)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86141