HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) Test

What is the HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test? 

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver when there is inflammation in the body. It is also called a marker of inflammation and may be measured with a hs-CRP (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein) test, sometimes also called a CRP test. Inflammation is a way for the body to protect itself from injuries or infections, and it can be caused by smoking, high blood pressure, and high blood sugar. Excessive inflammation has been linked to heart disease too.

The hs-CRP test is useful if it is done along with the lipid profile test for screening the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and heart attacks. 

What are the other names for the HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test? 

The other names are HS-CRP and high sensitivity CRP.

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What are the test parameters included in the HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test?

There is only one parameter.

What does a HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test measure? 

High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test analyses low levels of CRP and can be used to help evaluate an individual’s risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). It may be used in combination with a lipid profile or with other cardiac risk markers, such as the lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LP-PLA2) test, which provides added information about the heart disease and risk.

This test is thought by some experts to be a useful marker test for determining the risk of CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. Usually, they say that the best way to predict risk is to combine a good marker for inflammation, like hs-CRP, with the lipid profile. Many studies have recommended that this test be used for people who have a moderate risk of heart attack over the next 10 years.
 

What’s the normal range of a HSCRP test? 

less than 5 mg/L.

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Who should get a HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test? 

The hs-CRP test is a vital and useful test to assess the risk of heart attack and stroke. It can help the doctor make decisions about how to reduce the risk or whether to conduct any further tests. However, the connection between high hs-CRP levels and the risk of heart attack and stroke is not completely known. High values might indicate inflammation in the lining of the arteries. This might damage the arteries and raise the risk of heart attack and cardiovascular disease (CVD).

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Are there any preparations needed for the HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test?

No special preparation is required. Fasting is not required for this test.

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What is the cost of the HSCRP test?

What is the type of sample required? 

This test requires a blood sample.

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Who processes a HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test?

A healthcare provider, who is also called a phlebotomist, usually performs blood draws, including those for hs-CRP tests, but any healthcare provider trained in drawing blood can perform this task. The samples are then sent to a lab where a medical laboratory scientist prepares the samples and performs the tests on analysers or manually.

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What should I expect during my HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test?

You may expect to experience the following during the blood test or a blood draw:

• You have to sit comfortably on the chair, and a healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. It is the inner part of your arm on the other side of your elbow.

• Once the phlebotomist has located a vein, they will clean and disinfect the area with an alcohol swab.

• Then they will insert a needle into your vein to draw a blood sample. They can feel like a small pinch.

• After they have inserted the needle, the required amount of blood will be collected in a test tube.

• When they have collected the required blood for the test, they will remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the pricked site to stop any bleeding.

• They will apply a band-aid over the pricked site, and the blood collection is finished.

This process takes less than five minutes.

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What should I expect after my HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test?

Once the phlebotomist has collected the blood sample, it will be sent to the laboratory for processing or testing. When the reports are ready, your healthcare provider will share the results with you.

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What are the risks of a HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test?

These blood tests are very common, and they don’t carry any significant risks. You can have a slight pain like an ant bite when the needle gets inserted, and a small bruise might develop there.

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When can I expect my HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test results?

These test reports are available via email or WhatsApp within 6 hours of the collection of the blood sample.

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What do the results of a HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test mean? 

Interpreting test results

Relatively high values of hs-CRP in otherwise healthy individuals have been found to be predictive of an increased risk of future heart attack, stroke, sudden cardiac death, and/or peripheral arterial disease, even though the cholesterol values are within the acceptable range.

Usually, people with increased hs-CRP values have the highest risk of cardiovascular disease, and those with the lowest levels have less risk. 

hs-CRP results fall under three categories:

• Low risk: less than 1.0 mg/L

• Average risk: 1.0 to 5.0 mg/L

• High risk: above 5.0 mg/L

These levels are part of the total evaluation process for cardiovascular diseases. Additional risk factors to be considered are elevated values of cholesterol, LDL-C, triglycerides, and blood sugar. In addition to this, smoking, high blood pressure (hypertension), and diabetes also INCREASE  the risk levels.

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What are normal HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test results?

less than 5 mg/L.

The normal ranges can vary slightly among different laboratories. Some of the labs use different measurements or might do tests on the different samples. Speak to your healthcare provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Lipid Profile, APO-Al, APO-B, Lipoprotein (a)

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How do I book a HSCRP (hs-C-Reactive Protein) test at home?

Log on to www.orangehealth.in and submit your details. Our highly trained, professional, and vaccinated eMedics will be at your doorstep within 60 minutes or at the time booked by you.