CRP FS

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein, which is a protein whose concentration increases in the blood in response to inflammatory disorders (acute phase response). In the blood of healthy people, CRP is present in low concentrations (< 5 mg/L). This protein is elevated 6 hours after an acute inflammatory process associated with bacterial infection, post-operative conditions or tissue damage. Under conditions of a disease, the concentration of CRP can increase up to 500 mg/L. Measurement of CRP is an important laboratory test for detecting acute infection, as well as monitoring the inflammatory process in acute rheumatism and gastrointestinal diseases. Measurement of CRP shows various benefits when compared to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and leukocyte count. In fact, CRP is more sensitive, increases occur earlier and concentrations return to the reference range more quickly after healing.