Questions people ask about CRP Check

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific marker of inflammation. Elevated levels can indicate acute infections, chronic inflammation, or tissue damage. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used in cardiology for cardiovascular risk assessment, but only in combination with other risk factors. A single CRP value from a home test has limited meaning without medical interpretation, as it is influenced by short-term factors like colds, stress, or smoking. Evidence for routine CRP screening in asymptomatic individuals is limited (USPSTF: no recommendation). Furthermore, many direct-to-consumer (DTC) tests lack independent validation. A CRP check can serve as a rough indicator but does not replace clinical evaluation. Persistently elevated values warrant medical follow-up.