Where is c reactive protein found

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Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Arnett DK, et al. Filippo C, et al. C-reactive protein in cardiovascular disease. Accessed April 13, Wilson PWF, et al.

Overview of established risk factors for cardiovascular disease. C-reactive protein, high sensitivity, serum. C-reactive protein CRP is produced by the liver. The level of CRP rises when there is inflammation throughout the body. It is one of a group of proteins called acute phase reactants that go up in response to inflammation. The levels of acute phase reactants increase in response to certain inflammatory proteins called cytokines.

These proteins are produced by white blood cells during inflammation. This article discusses the blood test done to measure the amount of CRP in your blood. A blood sample is needed. This is most often taken from a vein.

The procedure is called a venipuncture. When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain. Others may feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

The CRP test is a general test to check for inflammation in the body. It is not a specific test. Because CRP levels often go up before you have symptoms of pain or fever and drop down as you recover, the CRP test is especially useful for tracking infections.

Because CRP is part of the immune system, your levels of it rise whenever you have inflammation in your body. But the test doesn't show where the inflammation is or what is causing it. You may need this test if your healthcare provider thinks you have an infection. For example, it may be osteomyelitis, which involves bone. Or it may be a potentially life-threatening condition called sepsis or blood poisoning.

Symptoms of sepsis may include fever and chills, headache, pain, nausea, vomiting, confusion, rash, and shortness of breath. The level of CRP in your blood goes up within a few hours of a serious infection. CRP levels can also rise when you have a viral infection. Your provider may also order the test if he or she thinks you have an inflammatory condition or an autoimmune disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

CRP levels are higher in people with these conditions. This test may also be used to watch flare-ups and recovery. Symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis include joint swelling and pain, morning stiffness, tiredness, weight loss, and low-grade fevers. If you are being treated for a long-term inflammatory condition or an infection, this test may be used to see if the treatment is working. The more specialized CRP test for heart disease risk is not covered in this article.

What happens during a CRP test? Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test? You don't need any special preparations for a CRP test. Are there any risks to the test? What do the results mean? If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Is there anything else I need to know about a CRP test? References Lab Tests Online [Internet]. Washington D. Glossary: Inflammation; [updated Jul 10; cited Mar 3]; [about 3 screens]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c— C-reactive protein test; Nov 21 [cited Mar 3]; [about 3 screens].