C-reactive protein (crp) test

This blood test measures the amount of C-reactive protein (CRP) in your child's blood. CRP levels rise when there is inflammation in your child's body.

Very high levels of CRP are caused by infections and many diseases. But other tests are needed to find the cause and location of the inflammation.

This test is used to:

• Check for infection, including after surgery.
• Find and keep track of infections and diseases that cause inflammation. These can include:
  • Inflammatory bowel disease. It causes long-term inflammation of the intestines.
  • Juvenile idiopathic arthritis. It causes inflamed, swollen joints.
  • Osteomyelitis. This is an infection of a bone.

A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.

Most of the time, you don't need to do anything before your child has this test. Your doctor may give you some specific instructions.

Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.

Results are usually available within 24 hours.

High levels of CRP are caused by infections and many long-term diseases.