CRP Blood Test

A C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures how much CRP is in your blood. CRP is created primarily in the liver, and enters your bloodstream as a marker of inflammation. Check your system for inflammation and potential damage with a simple finger-prick test.

What Is CRP?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is primarily produced by your liver, and levels increase when there’s inflammation in the body. Your liver will release CRP into your bloodstream shortly after inflammation – such as the onset of an infection or injury to tissue. You may also produce CRP in the long term if you are at risk of heart disease or certain other chronic conditions. This is why it can be difficult know about these risks without doing a test.

A raised or high CRP level is often the first sign of infection or inflammation – elevated C-reactive protein levels can even precede other symptoms like pain or fever. So, taking a CRP blood test means you may be able to check for markers of a range of infections and other conditions.

WHAT IS INFLAMMATION?

When you think of inflammation, physical redness – such as around a wound or insect bite – or joint pain might be the first things that come to mind. Many of us associate inflammation with swelling or itching. However, there’s also internal inflammation that we can’t see, which can affect our immune systems and the way the body functions.

Inflammation is one of the ways your body fights things like infection and viruses. When your body detects something harmful – including toxins and bacteria – it releases certain chemicals to help fight off the invading substance and protect you. Additionally, some conditions – such as arthritis – can cause your immune system to trigger inflammation without any foreign bodies being detected.

WHAT CAUSES INFLAMMATION?

Often, inflammation is caused by your body detecting a foreign ‘attacker’ – such as an infection or irritant. Once it’s identified, your immune system releases chemicals to try and dispel the attacker and keep your body safe.

Inflammation can also be triggered by an autoimmune disease, in which the body mistakes natural cells as harmful outsiders, and launches an attack. Some conditions which can cause inflammation include:

Lupus
Rheumatoid arthritis
Underlying cardiovascular disease
Certain cancers
Asthma

Why Do I Need A CRP Test?

There are a number of reasons to check your C-reactive protein levels. If you have a family history of cardiovascular disease or other medical conditions associated with inflammation, it may be worth conducting a test to check your current levels and get a good idea of your overall health.

Because C-reactive protein levels are indicative of inflammation, blood tests can be useful in monitoring infection levels, tracking autoimmune diseases such as lupus, or checking if you’re at high risk of heart disease.

Blood tests for CRP are not a substitute for medical advice. If you have concerns about your health, you should always visit your GP as a first port of call.

How Is CRP Used?

C-reactive protein levels as measured by a CRP test can be used as a risk marker for several health conditions, including strokes and heart disease. CRP can also be useful for assessing a number of conditions, including:

Some types of arthritis
Autoimmune diseases
Inflammatory bowel disease
Bacterial infections (including sepsis)
Post-surgery infection

As a marker, CRP test results can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body, which can in turn be a sign of a potentially serious health condition.

Save £18!

Inflammation (CRP) Test

£59 £41

0% interest for 4 months with PayPal Credit. Learn more

EARLY BLACK FRIDAY SALE: 30% OFF

+ FREE Delivery on all orders

Check levels of inflammation in your body with this simple test

Identify risk of damage or deterioration in your body that you may not be aware of

Risk marker for heart disease, stroke, chronic conditions and infections

Test for high sensitivity CRP, the most important marker for inflammation
Simple at-home finger-prick blood test. No social interaction required
Provides hospital standard, easy-to-read traffic light results
Supporting guidance provided to help you make effective lifestyle changes
Receive advice to better support your overall health
Customers must be aged 18 years or over to take this test. This test is not available to customers who are pregnant or breastfeeding
Only available in the UK

How Do CRP Blood Tests Work?

Blood tests for CRP measure the levels of the protein in your system, to assess your risk of inflammation and related health conditions. Elevated levels of C-reactive protein indicate a higher level of inflammation in the body, which may be causing damage. This damage can increase the risk of conditions such as heart disease, or may reflect the presence of an autoimmune condition or infection.

A blood sample will be taken – the YorkTest Inflammation (CRP) Test is a simple at-home test that involves a finger prick. Our laboratory team will then test your sample’s C-reactive protein levels to measure this inflammation marker.

WHAT IS A HIGH CRP LEVEL, AND WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

If your blood sample indicates an elevated C-reactive protein level, it may indicate an increased risk of inflammatory conditions. CRP tests use milligrams per litre (mg/L) as a measure.

The YorkTest Inflammation (CRP) Test provides hospital-standard information about your exact CRP level, along with lifestyle guidance. You will receive advice on whether your results show a normal range for C-reactive protein, if lifestyle changes are required, or if a visit to your GP is recommended.

If your blood test returns a high C-reactive protein level, we will recommend visiting your GP for further testing. Your doctor may be able to help diagnose the direct cause of your inflammation and prescribe treatments to help – for example cholesterol-lowering medication or further testing.

Sign Up To Receive Exclusive Offers And Benefits From YorkTest

If you’re concerned you may be suffering from inflammation or want to know more about our CRP blood test, get in touch with our friendly team.