C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

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Clinical indications:

• CRP is an acute phase reactant, used to assess the progression of inflammation and infection. 
• Levels are particularly increased in bacterial infection and peak at 48 hours following exposure. 

 

Specimen type: 

• Blood

Sample type: 

• Serum

Turnaround time: 

• Urgent: 2 hours 
• Inpatient: 4 hours 
• Outpatient/ GP: 24 hours
  

Limitations:

• CRP measurement may be affected by lipaemia and monoclonal gammopathies (especially Waldenstroms macroglobulinaemia). 
• At extremely high concentrations (>750 mg/L) the assay may give falsely low results. 
• Carboxypenicillins significantly decrease values.