21 Sep What is a CRP Blood Test, and Can You Get it at Home?

If you want to know what a CRP blood test is, its benefits, how to know when you should get tested, and compare DIY tests with in-home tests done by a medical professional.

What is a CRP blood test?

A CRP (C-reactive protein) test measures how much CRP is in your blood. CRP is a protein made by your liver and is sent into your bloodstream when your body is inflamed. Inflammation (which can cause swelling, pain, or redness internally or on the surface of your body) is how your body tries to protect your tissues when you have an infection, an injury, a certain chronic (ongoing) disease, or a particular autoimmune disorder.

A CRP test is sometimes called a serum test.

What are the benefits of getting a CRP test?

A CRP test can detect undiagnosed conditions that cause inflammation. If you already have a condition that causes inflammation, a CRP test can be used to monitor your condition.

Some examples of conditions that could be causing your high CRP levels and inflammation include:

• Autoimmune disorders such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis
• Bacterial infections, like sepsis, which is severe and can be life-threatening
• A bone infection called osteomyelitis
• Fungal infections
• Inflammatory bowel disease, which causes your intestines to bleed and swell

How will I know when I need a CRP test?

You may need a CRP test if you have symptoms of a serious bacterial infection. Symptoms include:

• Chills
• Fever
• Nausea
• Rapid breathing
• Rapid heart rate
• Vomiting

A CRP is also important in checking your body’s response to anti-inflammatory treatment for an infection or a chronic disease you have already been diagnosed with. If you are experiencing reduced inflammation, your CRP levels will decrease, which means the treatment is working.

How is a DIY CRP test different from an in-home CRP test?

A DIY CRP test is a test you perform on yourself at Home. You then ship the blood sample (usually taken by pricking your finger) to the lab that makes the test. Once you get your results, it is unlikely that you will receive any follow-up information or other communication from the lab. You will probably need to schedule an appointment with your regular doctor, so they can explain what your results mean and recommend what, if any, further testing or treatment you may need based on your test results.

If you hire a medical professional from Concierge MD to do your CRP test, they will come to your Home to administer the test and then send the sample directly to our lab. When the results are ready, someone on our team will be in contact with you to go over your results and determine whether or not you need any other tests or treatment.

As a bonus, you can save time and money on a trip to the pharmacy if you choose Concierge MD’s in-home service for your CRP test.

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