Lab test · Infection
C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Quantitative
Infection & inflammation marker
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Infection & inflammation marker
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation. Its level can rise within hours of an infection or injury and falls again as the problem settles. A quantitative CRP gives an exact level, which helps your doctor judge how much inflammation there is, whether an infection is more likely to be bacterial, and whether treatment is working.
Why a doctor may order it
- During a fever, to help judge whether a bacterial infection is likely
- To check the response to antibiotics or other treatment
- To monitor inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease
- After an operation, to watch for infection
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
You can eat and drink normally, and there is nothing special to do beforehand. Keep taking your usual medicines unless your doctor has told you otherwise, and tell your doctor if you take steroid medicines, as they can lower inflammation markers.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at home in a few minutes. When CRP is repeated to follow treatment, home collection makes each check simple.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The report shows your CRP level next to the laboratory's reference range. A raised CRP shows there is inflammation in the body but not where it is or what is causing it; very high levels are more often seen with bacterial infections. A normal CRP makes significant inflammation less likely. Your doctor will interpret the result with your symptoms, examination and other tests such as the CBC.
What's included
One test: C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Quantitative, from one blood sample.
Related tests
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)The ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tall, thin tube over a set time.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- CBC with ESRThis test combines a complete blood count (CBC) with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
- Blood Culture and SensitivityA blood culture checks for bacteria or yeasts in the bloodstream.
- Widal TestTyphoid fever check৳310
- Dengue NS1 AntigenEarly dengue detection৳190
Questions people ask
What is the difference between CRP and ESR?
Both are markers of inflammation. CRP rises and falls within days, so it reflects what is happening now, while ESR changes more slowly. Doctors often use them together.
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
Both measure the same protein. The high-sensitivity (hs-CRP) test measures very low levels and is used to help assess heart disease risk, while standard CRP is used to look for infection and inflammation.
Can a viral infection raise CRP?
Yes. Viral infections can raise CRP, usually less than bacterial infections do. The level alone cannot prove the type of infection, so your doctor looks at the whole picture.
Does a high CRP mean I need antibiotics?
Not on its own. CRP can rise with many conditions that are not bacterial infections. Only your doctor can decide whether antibiotics are needed.
How much does a CRP test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳350, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the CRP test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the CRP report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.