C-reactive protein, CRP test is a simple blood test ordered by your physician to measure the level of CRP in the blood. This test is done to figure out the conditions that cause inflammation. Because of the level of C-reactive protein in the blood increases in response to the inflammation. In recent days, physicians consider the CRP test, an important indicator of cardiovascular disease as the chronic inflammation can result in the damage of the interior walls of the artery.
Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 610,000 people die of heart diseases every year in the United States. So, we highly recommend people you to get tested for CRP levels to assess the risk of cardiovascular disease.
The article below covers all the significant topics related to C-reactive protein test like the CRP test cost, who should take a CRP test, normal CRP levels, procedure, preparation, risks, and how to get tested for the CRP blood test.
- CRP Test Cost.
- What is C-reactive protein?
- Why is a CRP blood test done?
- When is a CRP test done?
- Normal CRP levels.
- How is the CRP test done?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- Are there any risks in the test?
- What does the test result interpret?
- How to treat elevated CRP levels?
- Provider Locations.
For our readers, who are very much interested in knowing the CRP test cost beforehand, we would like to begin with that section.
How much does the CRP test cost?
C-reactive protein, CRP test cost ranges between $49 and $52 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. Our CRP testing providers offer two types of CRP blood tests namely CRP quantitative blood test and high sensitivity CRP (Hs-CRP) blood test. So the cost of the CRP test also depends on the type of CRP test.
The table below shows the CRP Test Cost at 2 of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) networks located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Starting from$49 |
Personal Testing Lab
| Starting from$52 |
CRP test cost with insurance
Many health insurance policies in the U.S. cover the cost of the CRP test. However, the coverage offered by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid varies widely. So we recommend you to check the coverage of your health insurance plan before getting tested for c-reactive protein.
Our CRP testing providers do not accept any kind of health insurance plan. But, on request, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details like the name and code of the test, and CPT code that is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What is CRP?
CRP refers to C-reactive protein. CRP is a type of protein produced by the liver and discharged into the bloodstream in response to any inflammation or infection. The CRP level in the blood will increase after a heart attack, autoimmune disorders, bacterial infections, etc.
CRP is one of the acute phase proteins. Acute-phase proteins are a class of proteins whose plasma concentrations increase or decrease in response to an inflammation or tissue injury.
Why is the CRP test done?
The CRP test is for measuring the level of C-reactive protein in the blood. The higher level of CRP in the blood may indicate that there is an increased risk of having a heart attack or stroke. This test helps the physicians to diagnose bacterial or fungal infection, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and autoimmune disorders.
It is also done to monitor the ongoing treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, etc. In some circumstances, the CRP test is ordered along with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to find out the inflammation.
CRP blood test is also done in newborn babies if they show symptoms of sepsis.
When is a CRP blood test done?
Your physician might recommend this test if you have the following symptoms that might cause inflammation.
- Fever
- Chillness
- Rapid breathing
- Increase in the heart rate
Normal CRP levels
The normal CRP levels in the blood might slightly vary between the labs. However, the standard range of CRP is below 3.0 mg/l (milligrams per liter).
How is the CRP test done?
CRP test can be done using the blood sample.
During the test, a phlebotomist will put an elastic band around the arm to make the veins visible and swell with blood. Then a cotton ball soaked with disinfectant liquid will be used to clean the area from where the blood is to be drawn. He/she will inject a needle into the vein to draw the blood sample. After the blood sample is drawn, a cotton ball will be used to apply pressure on the puncture site to stop bleeding. The collected blood sample will be sent to the laboratory for further testing.
It takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to perform this test.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
There is no special preparation required before the CRP blood test. There is no constraint on diet and you can carry on your regular activities.
Are there any risks in the test?
There are no possible risks or complications in taking the CRP blood test. After the blood sample is drawn, you might feel dizziness, slight pain, bruise, or redness in the injected area for a few minutes. If you have any abnormal bleeding in the injected area, inform your physician immediately.
What does the test result interpret?
Generally, the CRP levels are low. If the CRP levels are higher than normal, it indicates cancer, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis, or other diseases. It might also be high if you are in the second half of your pregnancy or if you are using birth control pills.
The high sensitivity CRP test is a better indicator of cardiovascular disease. According to the American Heart Association (AHA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the following guidelines are recommended for the assessment of cardiovascular risk in regards to high sensitivity CRP levels
- Low risk for cardiovascular disease if hs-CRP is less than 1 mg/l
- Moderate risk for cardiovascular disease if hs-CRP is between 1 and 3 mg/l
- High risk for cardiovascular disease if hs-CRP is greater than 3 mg/l
How to treat elevated CRP levels?
If your test results show elevated CRP levels, a proper combination of diet and exercise can lower the levels of CRP. Sometimes, physicians also suggest aspirin therapy to lower the high CRP levels.
Provider Locations
The C-reactive protein blood test can be done in any of the following locations across the U.S. by visiting the nearest lab. To know the CRP test cost, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
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