Quick answer
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test costs ₹350 at Live Line Health Care. Measures a protein the liver releases within hours of inflammation or infection. No fasting is needed. It uses a blood sample and the report is usually ready the same day. Book home sample collection or visit any of our 45 centres.
Also known as: CRP, C Reactive Protein, C-Reactive Protein, Serum CRP, S. CRP, Inflammation Marker
What is the CRP Test?
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures a protein the liver pours into the blood when the body is fighting infection, injury or inflammation. CRP starts rising within about 6 to 8 hours of the trigger, can climb a hundredfold within two days, and falls quickly once the cause is controlled. That speed makes it a practical way to judge how active an illness is right now and whether treatment is working.
CRP does not point to any one disease. A high value says that inflammation is present somewhere, and your doctor works out where from your symptoms, examination and other tests. It differs from the ESR, which also reflects inflammation but rises and falls slowly over days to weeks and is affected by anaemia and age. This standard CRP test is also different from hs-CRP, a high-sensitivity version that measures very low levels to estimate long-term heart risk in otherwise well people. If your doctor has asked for hs-CRP to assess heart risk, check before booking, because this test is designed for active inflammation and infection rather than that purpose.
What it measures: The level of C-reactive protein in the blood, an early and fast-changing marker of inflammation or infection.
Parameters included (1)
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
Why is this test done?
- Judging how serious a fever or infection is, along with a CBC
- Checking whether antibiotics or other treatment are working
- Monitoring flares of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease and other inflammatory conditions
- Watching for infection after surgery or a hospital stay
- Following up a raised ESR or other sign of inflammation
When should you get tested?
- Fever lasting more than two or three days
- Painful, swollen or stiff joints, especially in the morning
- Recurring abdominal pain with loose motions or blood in stools
- Wound redness, pain or discharge after an operation
- Unexplained tiredness, weight loss or night sweats
How to prepare for the CRP Test
- 1No fasting is needed.
- 2Tell staff about any recent injury, surgery, vaccination or infection, as all of these raise CRP for a few days.
- 3Take your usual medicines, and mention steroids or arthritis medicines that can lower CRP.
- 4For monitoring, repeat the test at the interval your doctor suggests rather than daily, since CRP needs a day or two to show a change.
CRP Test normal range
| Parameter | Typical reference range |
|---|---|
| CRP (healthy adults) | Below 6 mg/Lsome labs use 5 mg/L or 10 mg/L as the limit |
| Mild rise | About 10–40 mg/L |
| Marked rise | Above 100 mg/L |
Some reports use mg/dL, where the numbers are ten times smaller, so 6 mg/L equals 0.6 mg/dL. Check the unit before comparing reports. Ranges are typical adult values and vary between labs, age and sex. Always use the range printed on your report and discuss results with your doctor.
Understanding your results
- Mild rises, roughly 10–40 mg/L, are common with viral infections, minor injuries, smoking, obesity and active arthritis.
- Values above about 100 mg/L are more often seen with bacterial infections, serious inflammation or after major surgery, and they need prompt review by your doctor.
- A falling CRP on repeat testing usually means treatment is working. A CRP that stays high or rises again may prompt your doctor to look for another cause.
- A normal CRP makes active bacterial infection less likely but does not exclude every illness. Some conditions, such as lupus without infection, can keep CRP low.
Health packages that include this test
The CRP Test is included in these full body checkups:
Book the CRP Test in your city
Same price at all 45 centres. Choose your city for local centres and timings.
Telangana
CRP Test – FAQs
What is the price of the CRP Test?
The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test costs ₹350 at Live Line Health Care, at all 45 centres and for home sample collection.
What is the difference between CRP and ESR?
Both show inflammation, but CRP rises within hours and falls within days, while ESR changes slowly over weeks and is affected by anaemia, age and pregnancy. CRP is better for following a sudden infection or treatment response. Doctors often use both together for long-term conditions such as arthritis.
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
They measure the same protein at different sensitivities. Standard CRP is designed for active inflammation and infection, where values are often high. hs-CRP detects very small amounts, below about 3 mg/L, to estimate long-term heart risk in well people. Book the one named on your prescription.
Can CRP tell a bacterial from a viral infection?
Not reliably on its own. Bacterial infections tend to cause higher values, often above 100 mg/L, but some viral illnesses also raise CRP sharply, and early bacterial infections can show only a small rise. Doctors combine CRP with symptoms, examination and a CBC before deciding on antibiotics.
Why is my CRP high when I feel fine?
A mild rise can come from a recent cold, minor injury, dental infection, smoking, excess weight or a long-term condition such as arthritis. A single raised value in a well person is often repeated after a few weeks. If it stays high, your doctor may look for a hidden source.
How quickly does CRP come down after treatment?
CRP has a short life in the blood, so it can halve roughly every day once inflammation settles. A clear fall within two or three days of starting effective treatment is usual. If it does not fall, your doctor may review the diagnosis or treatment.
Where can I get the CRP Test done?
At any of our 45 Live Line Health Care centres in 40 cities across Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, including Hyderabad, Visakhapatnam, Warangal, Kakinada and Nellore, or book home sample collection.
Medical disclaimer: This information is for general awareness only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a qualified doctor to interpret your results and before starting or changing any treatment.