A patient seated in the chair before a blood draw
In person

CRP

A general inflammation marker, measured from one blood draw.

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  • 2,000+ lab locations. Find one near you
  • Nothing due at the lab. FSA / HSA accepted
  • Ordered by a licensed clinician

At a glance

Collection
Blood draw
A standard blood draw at the lab.
Preparation
None
Nothing to do ahead of time. Water is fine.
Results
1 to 2 days
Typical turnaround after your visit.
Where
2,000+ lab locations
Nationwide, with nothing due at the lab.

About this test

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver and rises when there is inflammation somewhere in the body, such as from an infection, injury, or active joint condition. It shows that inflammation is present, not where it is or why. This standard test is not the high-sensitivity version used for heart risk.

For adults 18 and older. Test availability varies by lab location.

Who should take this test?

This test is for adults whose healthcare provider wants to check or follow inflammation, such as during a joint flare, after an infection, or to track a past result.

Ask about this test

Not sure this is the right test?

AI-generated. For information only, not medical advice. Call 911 for an emergency.

What does this test measure?

Your result shows how much CRP is in your blood, which can help you and a healthcare provider see whether inflammation is present and follow it over time.

C-reactive protein (CRP)
C-reactive protein is made by the liver when there is inflammation, infection, or injury in the body. The standard CRP test is designed to show larger rises, such as with an infection or an inflammatory condition. It does not show where inflammation is coming from.
Why it’s measured: Shows whether inflammation is present, not where it comes from.

How it works

  1. Step 1

    Order online

    Check out here. A licensed clinician in your state reviews your order and sends it to the lab.

  2. Step 2

    Visit a lab

    Bring a photo ID to any of 2,000+ lab locations. No fasting needed, and nothing is due at the lab.

  3. Step 3

    Get your results

    Results post to your account, usually in 1 to 2 days, each number next to the lab’s reference range.

Find a lab near you

Choose from 2,000+ lab locations nationwide. Your order works at any of them.

What your results tell you

CRP is reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L) and compared with the lab’s reference range, which is shown on your report.

  • Your number next to the lab’s reference range
  • Explained in plain language
  • A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test.
  • A lab report you can download and share

A raised CRP has many possible causes, so a healthcare provider reads it with your symptoms, history, and any other tests.

CRP or hs-CRP?

The same protein, measured for different questions.

CRP

Measures CRP across the range seen with active inflammation.

Measures
Larger rises in CRP
Used for
Checking or following inflammation, such as an infection or a flare
Preparation
None

Clinical-grade testing, from the comfort of home.

From the lab to your report, every step of our process meets the gold standard in medical testing.

  • CLIA-certified labs

    Every lab we partner with is certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, meeting both state and federal standards with regular independent inspections.

  • We protect your health data

    We protect your health data with encryption and do not sell it. Some results must be reported to public health authorities by law. See our Privacy Notice.

  • Rigorous quality assurance

    All partner labs run regular internal quality checks, participate in proficiency testing, and comply with federal and state lab regulations.

  • Clinician-reviewed reports

    Results are reviewed by an independent, licensed clinician.

Questions

Common questions.

Anything else, our care team answers by phone, text, or email.

CRP rises with many kinds of inflammation. Causes include bacterial infections, active arthritis, and recovery after surgery, and other illnesses can raise it too. Minor infections or injuries can also raise it for a while.

That is why CRP is read with your symptoms and history rather than on its own.

Both measure the same protein. Standard CRP is built for the larger rises seen with active inflammation, like an infection or a flare. hs-⁠CRP measures much lower levels precisely, which is the range used in heart risk conversations. Standard CRP cannot measure those small differences.

No. CRP does not need fasting or a special time of day, and water is fine. Because CRP can change fairly quickly as inflammation rises or settles, a healthcare provider may suggest a repeat test to follow a trend.

CRP shows that inflammation is present, but not where it is or what is causing it. A result within the range does not by itself explain symptoms you may have, and this test is not meant for heart risk. A healthcare provider decides whether other tests are needed.

Lab tests are informational and don’t diagnose conditions on their own. Available to adults 18 and older; test availability varies by lab location. A licensed clinician reviews your order and, if appropriate, orders the test. All testing is performed at CLIA-certified laboratories. Not for emergencies: if you think you may be having a medical emergency, call 911.