CRP is a substance produced by the body during inflammation. Elevated CRP levels indicate inflammation is present, and PCR results are used for diagnosis and treatment monitoring. The CRP test is often done in conjunction with other tests, and follow-up testing may be recommended based on results obtained.
CRP is short for C-reactive protein, which is a substance produced by the body during the inflammatory process. PCR results can help diagnose conditions in which inflammation occurs or monitor response to treatment of those conditions. CRP results are obtained from a CRP test, which is a routine blood test done on a sample of blood taken from a vein. Depending on the laboratory performing the test, normal CRP levels range between 0 and 1 mg/dL (less than 10 mg/L).
When inflammation occurs, acute as after trauma or in acute disease, or chronic, as in arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease, the liver synthesizes the CRP. Elevated CRP results indicate that inflammation, acute or chronic, is present. Doctors use PCR results for both diagnosis and treatment monitoring. As the body responds to treatment, inflammation should decrease and CRP levels should decrease.
PCR results can be elevated in a number of acute situations. Injuries, such as trauma that cause inflammation, can increase them while the area is inflamed. CRP levels are also often increased after a myocardial infarction or heart attack. An increase in CRP after surgery may indicate a postoperative infection, requiring further investigation. CRP can also increase in late pregnancy. In case of liver insufficiency, it can decrease.
In the case of more chronic conditions, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease, PCR results are used as part of a series of diagnostic tests. Treatment of these conditions is often aimed at reducing the inflammation associated with them, as this is often the cause of their symptoms. Monitoring the CRP to see if it is decreasing is an indication that the treatment is working.
Occasionally healthy people are tested for PCR to assess their risk of heart disease. In this situation, a high specificity CRP test is performed, as the increase in CRP can be very small. This increase may warn patients of a higher risk of heart disease and thus promote prevention tactics such as lifestyle changes.
While PCR results can be useful, they are not used solely for diagnosis or treatment monitoring. The CRP test is just one test that can be done in conjunction with others, such as the white blood cell count in case of an acute infection, and used by doctors to ensure optimal medical care and treatment. Follow-up testing may be recommended based on the CRP results obtained.
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