C-Reactive Protein

C-Reactive Protein

This test measure the amount of C-Reactive protein in your blood. C-Reactive Proteins can be a measure of the amount of inflammation in your body.  Inflammations may be caused by infections or long term diseases such as lymphoma (cancer of the Lymph nodes), rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease. Inflammation may also cause damage to the inner layers of the arteries making an employee more susceptible to heart disease.  The ultra sensitive CRP test can determine if an employee has inflammation in there arteries. 

The test requires a blood sample and can be done at the same time as a cholesterol test.  Results are quick and can be given to employees while onsite.  There is no set standard for the appropriate levels of C-reactive protein in the blood because a persons age and current health condition can lead to higher and lower levels.  However, when testing for inflammation of arteries, the following chart has been published at http://www.medicinenet.com/c-reactive_protein_test_crp/article.htm

* It's important to note that inflammation due to other conditions, such as an infection, illness, or a serious flare-up of arthritis, can raise CRP levels. Before getting the CRP test, tell your doctor what other medical conditions you have.