Metabolic panel
CRP
C-reactive protein is made by the liver and rises when there is inflammation anywhere in the body. It is a sensitive signal that something is going on, but it does not say what or where.
Typical adult reference range
Usually below 5, though thresholds vary and a separate high-sensitivity version is used for cardiovascular risk · mg/L
Ranges vary between laboratories and by age, sex and method. Always read your own result against the range printed on your own report.
What a high result can mean
CRP rises with infection, injury, inflammatory conditions, and after surgery. Very high values usually point to significant bacterial infection or marked inflammation. Mildly raised values are common and often non-specific.
What a low result can mean
A low CRP suggests little active inflammation at the time of the test. It does not rule out all disease.
What commonly affects this result
Any recent infection or injury, surgery, smoking, obesity, and pregnancy.
Questions worth asking your doctor
- Is this level explained by something we already know about?
- Should it be rechecked once I have recovered?
- Does the pattern over time matter more than this single value?
See what your own results say
Upload your blood test and get a plain English summary of every value on it, with the questions worth raising at your next appointment.
Analyse my resultsThis page explains what a test measures. It is general information, not medical advice, and it cannot tell you what your own result means. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, and results are only meaningful alongside your history, your symptoms and your other results. Always discuss your results with your doctor.