High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein test or hs-CRP test is an outside-the-box, noninvasive blood test that can detect low-grade inflammation test. In contrast to the routine CRP test to detect acute infection or inflammation, the hs-CRP test is highly sensitive and is employed mainly to determine cardiovascular disease risk. As inflammation is one of the leading causes of heart disease, hs-CRP testing allows physicians to identify individuals who are at risk of having heart attacks or strokes, without symptoms. It also is applied in monitoring low-grade chronic inflammation caused by many other diseases.

What is a CRP (High Sensitive) Test?

The CRP blood test (High Sensitive), also known as the hs-CRP test, is a test where your blood is measured for the level of C-reactive protein in your blood at very low levels. Your body produces C-reactive protein in your liver when inflammation is present in your body. The "high sensitivity" test is able to detect lower concentrations of the protein than a standard CRP test, and thus is more effective at detecting subtle inflammatory changes.

The foundation of the most crucial use of hs-CRP testing is the evaluation of cardiovascular disease risk. Mild inflammation of arteries is the cause of plaque formation, and heart attack and stroke are its outcomes. Testing is ordered as part of a composite cardiovascular risk marker.

Why is the hs-CRP Test Done?

hs-CRP test is held in reserve only to quantify cardiovascular risk among otherwise healthy people. It is of greatest benefit to persons already possessing other risk factors like high cholesterol, high blood pressure, being overweight or obese, cigarette smoking, or with a family history of cardiovascular disease. Increased hs-CRP levels can indicate an active low-grade inflammation that can be the cause of the gradual clogging up of the artery.

This is also a test conducted to allow for the diagnosis and treatment of several inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Some conditions that the hs-CRP test might be helpful for include:

  • Heart Disease: CRP test for heart disease to make a risk estimate for stroke or heart attack.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: inflammation marker such as CRP tend to be raised.
  • Rheumatoid Arthritis & Lupus: To assist in the assessment of disease activity.
  • Obesity-Associated Inflammation: Inflammation is a common characteristic of obesity.
  • Infections: While infections are typically diagnosed by other procedures, in light or chronic infections, the hs-CRP may be raised.

Preparation for an hs-CRP Test?

Preparation is very straightforward for an hs-CRP. You should not usually fast if you are having other blood work done. A few precautions, however, need to be followed to obtain good results:

  • Avoid Over-Exercise: Over-exercise for a couple of days prior to your test will become causes of high CRP temporarily.
  • Inform Your Doctor: Some medications such as statins, NSAIDs, or birth control pills impact your CRP level. Inform your doctor about any medication or supplement you are taking.
  • Stay Healthy: Being actively cold or infected can cause elevated CRP levels and possibly render the accuracy of cardiovascular risk assessment invalid. If you are ill, your physician might instruct you to reschedule the test.
  • Dress Comfortably: Wear loose clothing or short sleeves so that the technician can easily access your arm to draw blood.

hs-CRP Test Procedure

The hs-CRP test procedure is rapid and simple and takes a couple of minutes. It is conducted in a clinical or hospital environment:

  • A health care provider will sterilize your arm with an antiseptic wipe.
  • The needle is inserted into a vein, the crease of your elbow or the back of your hand.
  • You have a small blood sample taken and put into a vial.
  • The blood is then drawn and later delivered to a laboratory for testing.
  • You might experience a pinch as the needle is inserted into your arm, but the test is harmless and painless.
  • The test result will take typically 24 to 48 hours to be prepared.

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What to Expect After the hs-CRP Test

After you have undergone the test, you can continue with your daily routine as usual. It does not take any time off since it is not an invasive procedure. You may possibly experience a little bruise or tenderness where they drew the blood from, but this does not need treatment.

No follow-up treatment after the test is required unless your doctor orders additional tests from the test report. If your level of hs-CRP is high, your doctor can order additional diagnostic tests or dietary change and medication to reduce your risk for cardiovascular disease.

Interpretation of hs-CRP Test Results

Your result will be given in milligrams per liter (mg/L). The CRP test results and meaning is typically as follows:

  • Less than 1.0 mg/L: Low cardiovascular disease risk.
  • Equal to 3.0 mg/L: high sensitive CRP normal range.
  • Greater then 3.0 mg/L: Elevated cardiovascular risk.
Very elevated values (over 10 mg/L) could reflect very severe infection, inflammation, or inflammatory chronic illness. Your physician will make any clinical judgment with your hs-CRP result in mind as well as other lab work and personal risk factors.

Diseases Diagnosed with hs-CRP Test

While the hs-CRP test is not a disease diagnosis, it will be able to measure inflammation in a variety of diseases:

  • Atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)
  • Heart attack and stroke
  • Type 2 diabetes and metabolic syndrome
  • Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
  • Chronic sepsis or chronic infections
  • Autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
The test is a red flag that an inflammatory process is going on inside the body and must be explored.

CRP Test vs. hs-CRP Test

While CRP vs hs-CRP both tests measure the same protein, the two assays differ in sensitivity and use. The routine CRP test measures elevated levels of CRP, which are usually encountered in the setting of acute infection or generalized inflammatory disease. It is used in follow-up of flare of such conditions as arthritis or postoperative.

But hs-CRP can measure much lower levels of CRP. It is very useful while determining the cardiovascular risk in patients who are not reporting cut-and-dry signs. In certain cases, physicians may prescribe tests based on the case scenario.

Cost of hs-CRP Test in Pakistan

The cost of an hs-CRP test in Pakistan depends on the laboratory and the city. On average, prices range from PKR 640 to PKR 2,500.
The prices could be with or without home sample collection, and that could influence the total amount. It is recommended that CRP lab test in the area be contacted for lowest price and time of appointment.

Book lab tests from the best-certified labs in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, and all major cities of Pakistan through InstaCare, and get a discount of up to 35%. For assistance, call our helpline at 03171777509 to find the right lab test for your health needs.