C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test: Understanding Its Importance in Detecting Inflammation
The human body has an inbuilt defense mechanism that fights against infections, injuries, and other harmful stimuli. This process is known as inflammation , and while it is necessary for healing, persistent or excessive inflammation can signal an underlying health issue. To detect such conditions, doctors often rely on laboratory investigations, one of the most important being the C-reactive protein (CRP) test . CRP is a protein manufactured by the liver and released into the bloodstream when the body experiences inflammation. Its concentration in the blood can rise sharply within a few hours of infection, trauma, or tissue injury. Because it reflects the presence and severity of inflammation, measuring CRP levels is crucial for diagnosis, treatment monitoring, and prognosis in several medical conditions. This blog explores the meaning of CRP, its role in health and disease, testing procedure, interpretation of results, and why it remains a cornerstone in clinical diagnostic...