CRP (C-reaktives Protein)

CRP is an acute phase protein that is produced in the liver and increases in the body during inflammation or infections. The laboratory value measures the concentration of CRP in the blood and is a non-specific marker for inflammatory processes.

A CRP test is recommended for: • People with symptoms such as fever, chills or unclear pain • Patients suspected of having acute or chronic inflammation (e.g. arthritis, intestinal inflammation) • Monitoring of patients after surgery to detect infections early • Diagnosis and monitoring of infections, autoimmune diseases or tumors

The test serves the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory or infectious diseases. CRP is a fast marker to detect acute inflammation or infections in the body.

An elevated CRP value indicates: • Acute infections such as bacterial infections or sepsis • Chronic inflammations such as rheumatism or intestinal diseases • Postoperative inflammations or wound infections A low value shows that no or only minimal inflammatory processes are active in the body. Symptoms with elevated CRP: • Fever, fatigue • Pain or swelling with inflammations

The testing can be carried out at any time of the day and is often performed in case of acute symptoms such as fever or swellings.

CRP is non-specific and only indicates that there is an inflammation in the body, but not the exact cause. Further investigations are required to clarify the cause. • A high CRP value in bacterial infections often differs significantly from the values in viral infections, which are usually only slightly elevated. • Chronically slightly elevated values can indicate silent inflammations or cardiovascular risks.