C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute inflammatory protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is considered a non-specific “marker” for disease and infection. Inflammatory markers are known as acute phase reactants, others include erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and ferritin. They can be used separately or together to monitor a person’s health. 

High sensitive C-reactive protein.

They both measure the same protein, but hs-CRP is a more sensitive test enabling low grade inflammation to be detected. Low grade inflammation may contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus, atherosclerotic vascular disease, and other chronic health conditions.

hs-CRP is a test to check for low level inflammation in the body. It is used to predict the risk of heart problems and is part of a heart health check. People with high hs-CRP results have a higher chance of developing heart disease. The test can also be used to monitor a person's health and check if their treatments are working.

Yes, evidence suggests that inflammation may result in response to elevated IgG food antibodies and a diet based on the elimination of foods showing the highest level of IgG antibodies may contribute to a reduction in inflammation. As such, comparing hs-CRP levels at the beginning and end of an exclusion programme, keeping all other variables such as medications and supplements constant, may be a useful tool to assess the success of an IgG elimination diet along with symptom improvement.

Low grade inflammation may contribute to obesity, insulin resistance, diabetes mellitus and atherosclerotic vascular disease.

No, it is just a marker protein that is stimulated in response to inflammation and in itself poses no risk to health.

Do not test when you have an active infection or with a known inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and irritable bowel disease (IBD). Your CRP levels will be markedly elevated. CRP can increase up to 1x1000 fold at sites of infection or inflammation.

Levels may rise marginally after eating in response to the subsequent rise in lipid and glucose levels. We suggest taking the test first thing in the morning before food and drink. Consider medication also, see below.

If your results are over 8mg/L, we suggest that you seek medical advice as this level reveals higher grade inflammation. CRP levels will be considered alongside other markers as part of a health profile. Please note that as CRP is a non-specific marker there may be multiple sources of potential inflammation including atherosclerosis, gum disease and viral infection.

A single test will give you a baseline reading of hs-CRP levels, reflecting inflammation in the body at that time and, once lifestyle changes have been implemented, a further test can be used to monitor the effectiveness of the protocol. For example, in order to assess the effectiveness of an IgG based elimination dietary protocol, we recommend taking an initial baseline test at the beginning of your dietary programme and again after three months into the programme to assess progress. Please ensure all other variables such as supplements and medications are constant.

Some medications, such as statins and steroids, will affect your results. If possible, it is recommended to stop the use of asthma inhalers and topical steroid preparations 7 days prior to a test, but not without seeking medical advice first. Some NSAIDs such as naproxen and lumiracoxib may also affect results and high dose aspirin may lower CRP levels, although this has not been noted at lower levels. If your medication regime is constant, you may still choose to test the success of an anti-inflammatory dietary regime or an IgG elevated elimination diet.

Results are available within 7-10 working days.