ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity : 0050182

Mnemonic: HSCRP

Ordering Recommendation: Not recommended for general cardiovascular disease risk assessment in asymptomatic adults. May aid in CVD risk stratification in specific populations.
Methodology: Quantitative Immunoturbidimetry
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: Within 24 hours
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube. Also acceptable: Plasma separator tube, lavender (EDTA), pink (K2EDTA), or green (sodium or lithium heparin).

Specimen Preparation: Allow specimen to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum or plasma from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum or plasma to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.3 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Hemolyzed specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 months; Frozen: 1 year

Reference Interval:
3.0 mg/L or less
Interpretive Data: Patients with higher hs-CRP concentrations are more likely to develop stroke, myocardial infarction, and severe peripheral vascular disease. 

CRP is a nonspecific marker of inflammation and a variety of conditions other than atherosclerosis may cause elevated concentrations. If the first result is greater than 3.0 mg/L, recommend repeating test at least 2 weeks later in a metabolically stable state, free of infection or acute illness.  The lower of the two results should be used to determine the patient's risk.

Significantly decreased CRP values may result in specimens from patients treated with carboxypenicillins.
 
hs-CRP results are used to assign risk as follows (Clin Chem 2009; 55:378-84):  
Less than 1.0 mg/L
1.0-3.0 mg/L
3.1-9.9 mg/L
Greater than 9.9 mg/L
Low risk
Average risk
High risk
Very high risk

CPT Code(s): 86141
Cross References: CRP High Sensitivity (C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity), High Sensitivity, CRP (C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity), HSCRP (C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity)