A CRP (C-Reactive Protein) test measures the amount of CRP in your blood, a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. High CRP levels indicate the presence of inflammation or infection in the body and can be associated with conditions like bacterial or viral infections, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and cardiovascular problems. Doctors often recommend a CRP test when symptoms such as fever, fatigue, body pain, swelling, or unexplained inflammation are present.

For the CRP test, a small blood sample is taken from a vein, and no fasting or special preparation is needed. This test helps monitor the severity of inflammation, assess treatment response, and support diagnosis when used along with ESR, CBC, or other relevant tests. High CRP levels do not specify the exact cause, so further evaluation may be required.