What is a CRP test?

A CRP test, also known as a C-reactive protein test, is a blood test for inflammation. CRP is a protein made by the liver, and its levels increase when there is inflammation in your body. Healthcare professionals use the CRP blood test to gauge whether you might be experiencing a condition or illness linked to inflammation. Examples of these conditions include infections, autoimmune disorders and certain types of heart disease. Although the CRP test blood can sometimes be used alongside other tests, it plays a major part in identifying acute or chronic inflammation.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we understand that blood tests may seem daunting. Our aim is to make the process as smooth as possible. We offer a CRP blood test service so that you can stay informed about your health and take the necessary steps towards feeling better. Whether you’re noticing worrying symptoms or simply want to monitor your health, the CRP test can provide valuable insights.

Why it’s done

One main reason for carrying out a blood test for inflammation is to check if your body’s immune system is reacting to an underlying issue. CRP levels rise quickly when there is significant inflammation, making it a reliable marker for acute illnesses such as bacterial infections or flare-ups of autoimmune conditions. Doctors often recommend this inflammation blood test to:

• Help diagnose infections, like pneumonia or sepsis
• Monitor chronic inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis
• Assess the risk or presence of heart disease
• Track inflammation after surgery to ensure there are no post-surgical complications

By measuring the CRP level, you can identify whether you need further medical treatment or whether you should modify your lifestyle to improve your health. A high CRP level can suggest that your body is responding to a condition that may need medical attention.

When would I need a CRP test?

You might need a CRP blood test if you are experiencing symptoms that could be linked to inflammation. These symptoms can vary, but they often include persistent fatigue, unexplained fever, joint pain or stiffness and unexplained weight loss. Sometimes, a healthcare professional may notice signs of inflammation during a routine examination or suspect an infection that warrants further investigation.

People managing chronic conditions like inflammatory bowel disease, lupus or heart problems might also need regular CRP tests. That way, doctors can keep track of treatment progress and make changes if a flare-up seems likely. If you are in any doubt, or if you have a chronic illness and think that your inflammation levels could be rising, it might be worth speaking to your doctor or visiting South Ealing Pharmacy to discuss whether a CRP test is a suitable option for you.

How you prepare

Preparing for a CRP test is fairly straightforward. Normally, no special preparation is required. You can eat and drink as usual before your appointment, unless your doctor has asked you to fast for other tests being carried out at the same time. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist about any medication you are taking, as some medicines can affect your CRP levels. Anti-inflammatory drugs, for instance, might reduce CRP, while other medications can affect your test results in different ways.

Even if your healthcare professional doesn’t require you to fast, you may want to confirm whether you should take your usual medications on the day of the test. If you have any concerns or questions, our team at South Ealing Pharmacy is always here to provide guidance. We strive to make the testing process uncomplicated and convenient.

What you can expect

When you arrive at South Ealing Pharmacy for your CRP test, our friendly staff will guide you through each step of the process. A trained professional will collect a small sample of blood from a vein in your arm. You will be seated comfortably, and a small band may be placed around your arm to make the vein more visible. Then, a thin needle is used to draw blood into a test tube. This is usually quick, lasting only a few minutes, and should cause minimal discomfort.

After the blood sample is taken, you can resume your usual activities. We will arrange for your sample to be analysed at our associated laboratory. Once your results are ready, typically within three working days, you will be contacted to discuss your results and the next steps if needed. If the test indicates further evaluation, you can seek advice from our pharmacists or your GP to determine the appropriate course of action.

Results

When your CRP test results come back, they will show a level of C-reactive protein measured in milligrams per litre (mg/L). The range of your CRP level can give you valuable information about whether you are dealing with inflammation. Depending on your results, your healthcare professional might recommend further tests or start a treatment plan to manage the underlying cause of the inflammation.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we offer easy access to your test results as soon as they are available. We believe that the quicker you know your CRP level, the quicker you can take any necessary steps to safeguard your health. Our team is also here to help you interpret your results and provide guidance on whether more investigation or treatment is required.

What is the normal range for a CRP test?

The typical reference range for CRP levels in healthy adults is usually up to around 3 mg/L. However, many laboratories consider a reading below 10 mg/L as an indication of low or moderate risk, depending on the reason for the test. Factors such as age, general health and lifestyle can influence what’s considered “normal” for an individual. Your own normal range might shift over time, especially if you develop a chronic condition that affects inflammation.

Some labs now offer a high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP), which is more precise at measuring lower levels of C-reactive protein. This is often used to evaluate the risk of heart disease. In that scenario, readings below 1 mg/L are usually interpreted as low risk, 1 to 3 mg/L as average risk and above 3 mg/L as high risk. It is important to speak to a medical professional or pharmacist to fully understand what your test results mean for you personally.

What does high CRP level mean?

A high CRP level suggests that your body is undergoing an inflammatory process. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including infection, injury or chronic disease. If your CRP level is elevated, your doctor or pharmacist might look for other symptoms or request additional tests to find the underlying cause. High CRP can be associated with:

• Severe infections such as sepsis or pneumonia
• Autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
• Certain forms of cancer
• Heart-related conditions or a high risk of cardiovascular disease

Sometimes, your CRP level might be briefly high if you are recovering from an injury, surgery or even a cold. That’s why it is important to view a high CRP result within the context of your overall health and any other symptoms you might have.

What does low CRP level mean?

In general, a low CRP level is a good sign, as it suggests that your body does not have significant inflammation. This might imply that your immune system is currently not fighting any infections or serious health problems. However, a low CRP result does not entirely rule out the possibility of certain illnesses. Some conditions might not create a rapid surge in C-reactive protein, or your body might have started healing by the time the test took place.

Still, for the majority of people, a low CRP level indicates that there is likely no considerable inflammation that needs urgent medical intervention. If you are managing a chronic inflammatory condition and your CRP is low, it might be a sign that your treatment plan is working well.

Should I be concerned if my CRP level is abnormal?

CRP levels on their own can’t offer a complete diagnosis, but they do give important clues about your body’s inflammatory status. If your CRP level is higher than usual, it might be a temporary spike, or it might point to a more serious problem. It’s best to discuss your results with a healthcare professional or pharmacist, especially if the reading is significantly elevated or if you have ongoing symptoms such as fever, swelling or fatigue.

If you are concerned about your CRP test results, remember that further tests and professional assessments often help clarify the reason behind unusual readings. Depending on your health condition, medication and lifestyle, a modest rise or fall in CRP might be perfectly understandable. The key is to stay informed and work alongside healthcare providers who can help you understand your results.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we are dedicated to helping you stay on top of your health. If you have any questions about your CRP levels or you need guidance on the next steps, our professional team is here to help. We can explain your test results in a simple, clear manner, and we work closely with you to plan any further tests or treatments you might need. Our commitment is to offer reliable, informative services that help you take proactive care of your health.

Book your CRP test with South Ealing Pharmacy

If you think you might benefit from a CRP blood test, South Ealing Pharmacy is ready to help. We provide convenient bookings for a CRP test blood, as well as other types of blood test for inflammation. When you book with us, you can expect to receive your results within three working days. Our staff will guide you through preparing for the test, the test procedure itself and understanding your results. Our goal is to support you in making well-informed decisions that will have a positive impact on your overall health and wellbeing.

Take charge of your health and wellbeing by booking a CRP test at South Ealing Pharmacy. Remember that early detection and monitoring of inflammation can be crucial for preventing complications and ensuring the best possible outcomes. If you have any further questions or would like to arrange an appointment, contact our team today. We look forward to helping you stay healthy and informed.