Have you used a home testing kit for a medical diagnosis?

COVID-19 RATs are an example of these types of tests but we are interested in the many others on the market.

The University of Wollongong is conducting a small study about them and we'd like to hear from you if you have used one or considered using one.

Simply complete a short survey at:
https://uow.au1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_eeodpzn8lgSsAbI

From here, we may invite you to take part in a paid interview.

For more information, contact Dr Patti Shih: pshih@uow.edu.au
 

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At a glance

Also known as

CRP

Why get tested?

CRP is used to identify the presence of inflammation, to determine its severity, and to monitor response to treatment. A more sensitive form of the test, C-reactive protein high sensitivity (hsCRP), is used to assess your risk of heart disease.
 

When to get tested?

When it is suspected that you might be suffering from an inflammatory disorder (as with certain types of arthritis and autoimmune disorders or inflammatory bowel disease) or to check for the possibility of infection (especially after surgery).
 

Sample required?

A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm.

                                              1192-LTO-A4-C-reactive-protein-d-1-(4).jpg                                              
                                                           Quick Read patient information sheet

 

What is being tested?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver and secreted into the blood. It is often the first evidence of inflammation or an infection in the body. Its concentration increases in the blood within a few hours after the start of infection or other inflammatory injury. The level of CRP can increase many hundred-fold in response to inflammation and then drop relatively quickly as soon as the inflammation passes, making it a valuable test to monitor effectiveness of treatment.
 

How is the sample collected for testing?

A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.
 

Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?

No test preparation is needed.
 

The Test

How is it used?

CRP is often measured in patients with inflammatory diseases, such as some forms of arthritis and autoimmune diseases or in inflammatory bowel disease. It is used to assess how active the inflammation is and to monitor the treatment. CRP is also used to monitor patients after surgery or other invasive procedures to detect the presence of an infection during the recovery period. CRP tests are not specific enough to diagnose a particular disease. Rather, CRP is a general marker of infection and inflammation that alerts medical professionals that further testing and treatment may be necessary.

When is it requested?

Because CRP increases in cases of inflammation, the test is requested when acute inflammation is a risk (such as from an infection after surgery, or other trauma) or suspected based on someone's symptoms. It is also requested to help diagnose and monitor treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. The test may be repeated often to learn whether treatment of an inflammatory disease is effective since CRP levels drop as inflammation subsides.

What does the test result mean?

A high or increasing amount of CRP in your blood suggests that you have an acute infection or inflammation - most infections and inflammations result in CRP levels above 10 mg/L.

If the CRP level in your blood drops, it means that you are getting better and inflammation is being reduced.

About Reference Intervals

Is there anything else I should know?

Another test to monitor inflammation is called the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). Both tests give similar information about the presence of inflammation. However, CRP appears and then disappears sooner than changes in the ESR. Thus, your CRP level may fall to normal if you have been treated successfully, such as for a flare-up of arthritis, but your ESR may still be abnormal for a while longer.

Common Questions

What are chronic inflammatory diseases?

Chronic inflammatory diseases are diseases that lead to the development of long-lasting or frequently recurring inflammation. They can be caused by a number of different pathological conditions. Examples include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and inflammatory bowel disease (eg Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis).

What is the difference between the regular CRP test and the hsCRP test?

Both tests measure the same molecule in the blood. The CRP high sensitivity (hsCRP) test is a more sensitive form of the test which may be requested for seemingly healthy people to help assess their risk for heart problems. The regular CRP test is requested in patients who are at risk of bacterial or viral infections (such as after surgery) or in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis).

Last Review Date: September 20, 2022


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