Screening for C-Reactive Protein

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) screening measures CRP levels in the blood. CRP is part of your immune system and becomes elevated in your blood as a result of infection or inflammation. It is believed that high CRP levels are associated with cardiovascular disease, stroke, coronary heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, and type 2 diabetes.

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What you can learn

Although CRP is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular disease, it should not be the sole factor used to identify risk. Other risk factors including age, family history, blood pressure, smoking status, weight, exercise level, and stress level are also considered when assessing cardiovascular disease risk. Your CRP level will fall into one of these categories:

hs-CRP Value Cardiovascular Disease Risk Level*

< 1 mg/L low risk 1-3 mg/L average risk > 3 mg/L high risk * Risk levels published in 2003. American Heart Association / Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Scientific Statement

If your CRP level is >10 mg/L, we will recommend you be screened again at least 2 to 3 weeks later because a very high level can indicate a separate infection or illness in your body.

Who should have it

Anyone who has risk factors for heart disease, peripheral arterial disease, diabetes, or stroke should have this screening.

How often to get screened

This is a personal decision based on your risk factors and previous screening results. Many of our customers have an annual screening as part of their regular healthcare regimen.

How to prepare

There is nothing you need to do in advance for this screening. Unlike other finger-stick blood screenings, this does not require fasting.

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