Risks and limits of CRP Labor

The CRP lab test (C-reactive protein) is a non-specific marker of inflammation. It can be elevated due to acute infections, chronic inflammatory conditions, tissue damage, or even intense physical exercise. Its main limitation is lack of specificity: an elevated CRP alone does not indicate the source or cause of inflammation. For cardiovascular risk assessment, high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is used, but its predictive value is modest and should not be interpreted in isolation. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, obesity, and physical inactivity also influence CRP levels. Additionally, there are no universally accepted cutoffs for all populations. The test is not recommended as a screening tool for asymptomatic individuals. Persistently elevated CRP without an obvious cause warrants further medical investigation. Evidence for CRP as a standalone risk marker is moderate; it should be interpreted alongside other biomarkers and clinical context.