All tests
Blood tests
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
A protein made by the liver that rises quickly when there is inflammation.
Video lesson
Why it’s ordered
To detect and monitor inflammation in arthritis, vasculitis and infection.
Understanding results
Raised CRP points to active inflammation or infection. It falls within days when inflammation settles. Lupus flares often cause only small rises, while infection causes big ones.
Good to know
IL-6 blockers like tocilizumab keep CRP low even during infection.
At a glance
Type
Blood tests
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
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