Inflammation is one of the major results of activation of the immune system. Inflammation causes a number of changes in the body, some of which can be detected in the blood. Detecting C-reactive protein (CRP) is one way that physicians can measure the amount of inflammation in the blood, which can be used to monitor certain diseases.
CRP
CRP is produced by the liver. As the American Heart Association explains, CRP is known as an acute phase protein, which means that it is produced when there is inflammation throughout the body. The levels of this protein can thus be measured as a way of detecting systemic inflammation.
Uses
The CRP test can also be used to monitor patients with diseases that cause large amounts of inflammation. As Lab Tests Online explains, CRP is often monitored for patients with autoimmune diseases (in which the immune system attacks healthy tissue), some kinds of arthritis (such as rheumatoid arthritis), inflammatory bowel disease and pelvic inflammatory disease. This test can help assess if a treatment for these conditions is working well.
Test
The standard CRP test involves taking a blood sample from the patient. The blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into the patient's vein and collecting a small amount of blood. MedlinePlus explains that this blood sample is then sent to a laboratory where the sample is mixed with a solution called antiserum, which has chemicals that bind to the CRP.
High-Sensitivity CRP Test
Another version of the CRP test is called the high-sensitivity CRP test, or hs-CRP test. This test is used to measure a patient's risk for heart disease, because high levels of CRP are associated with a doubling of a patient's risk of having cardiovascular problems. The American Heart Association also notes that elevated CRP levels can predict whether an artery will close after it has been reopened using an angioplasty.
Inflammation and Heart Disease
CRP is used to assess a patient's risk for heart disease because systemic inflammation correlates with heart disease. Inflammation is an important part of the development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis causes arteries to become narrower and hard, which increases blood pressure. Atherosclerotic plaques can also break and cause blockages in the arteries in the brain or heart.
