Key takeaways
- CRP rises within hours of infection or inflammation anywhere in the body.
- Standard CRP below about 5–10 mg/L is generally considered normal.
- hs-CRP measures tiny amounts and helps estimate heart-disease risk.
- CRP shows that inflammation exists, not where it is - your doctor finds the cause.
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- C - Reactive Protein (CRP)
₹599₹79925% off
- High Sensitivity C - Reactive Protein (hs - CRP)
₹899₹1,19925% off
- ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
₹299₹49940% off
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C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver. Its level in the blood rises quickly - within hours - when there is inflammation or infection anywhere in the body. That makes the CRP test a useful, fast marker that helps doctors judge how serious an illness is and whether treatment is working.
At HWP Diagnostic the CRP test costs ₹599 and the hs-CRP test costs ₹899, both with free home collection.
CRP normal range
| Test | Result | Usual interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Standard CRP | Below ~5–10 mg/L | Normal / no significant inflammation |
| 10–100 mg/L | Moderate inflammation or infection | |
| Above 100 mg/L | Marked inflammation, often bacterial infection | |
| hs-CRP (heart risk) | Below 1 mg/L | Lower cardiovascular risk |
| 1–3 mg/L | Average risk | |
| Above 3 mg/L | Higher risk |
Exact cut-offs vary with the lab method, so always read your result against the reference range printed on the report.
Common causes of high CRP
- Infections - bacterial infections usually raise CRP more than viral ones, which helps doctors decide on antibiotics.
- Inflammatory conditions - rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease.
- Injury, surgery or burns.
- Chronic low-grade inflammation - obesity, smoking, diabetes and poor sleep can keep hs-CRP mildly raised.
CRP tells you that there is inflammation, not where it is. Your doctor will interpret it with symptoms and tests such as a CBC and ESR.
CRP vs ESR
Both are inflammation markers. CRP rises and falls faster - within a day or two - so it is better for tracking an acute infection or response to treatment. ESR changes slowly and stays raised longer, which is useful in some chronic conditions. Doctors often order them together.
hs-CRP and heart health
Inflammation inside blood vessels plays a role in heart attacks. The hs-CRP test detects small, persistent elevations that may indicate higher cardiovascular risk even when cholesterol looks acceptable. It is most useful for people at intermediate risk and should be read together with a lipid profile. Because any infection will raise it, hs-CRP should be tested when you are well; a high value is often repeated after two weeks. See our heart health packages.
Preparation
No fasting is needed for CRP. Tell your doctor about recent illness, injury, vaccination or intense exercise, and about medicines such as statins, NSAIDs or steroids, which can affect CRP levels.
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C - Reactive Protein (CRP)
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- Free home collection
High Sensitivity C - Reactive Protein (hs - CRP)
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- At our Malad West lab
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
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Complete Blood Count (CBC)
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Frequently asked questions
What is a normal CRP level?
For the standard CRP test, a value below about 5–10 mg/L (depending on the lab’s method) is generally considered normal. Your report shows the exact cut-off used.
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
Both measure the same protein. Standard CRP detects larger rises caused by infection or inflammation. hs-CRP is a high-sensitivity version that measures very small amounts and is used to estimate heart-disease risk.
Do I need to fast for a CRP test?
No fasting is required for CRP. For hs-CRP done for heart risk, avoid testing during or just after an infection, as that will raise the result.
HWP Diagnostic Editorial Team
Health guides written by the team at HWP Diagnostic, Mumbai, to help you understand your tests before you book. This article is for general education and is not a substitute for medical advice - reference ranges vary between labs, so always discuss your results with your doctor. Read our editorial policy. Photos: Pexels.
