What Is C-Reactive Protein (CRP)?

What it is

CRP is an acute-phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection.

Why it matters

Rapid CRP supports infection/inflammation triage and antibiotic-stewardship decisions in primary care.

Specimen

Whole blood / serum / plasma

Interpretation

Elevated = systemic inflammation or infection; low = unlikely significant inflammation.

Limitations

Non-specific — does not localize or identify the cause of inflammation.

Related test: CRP Semi-Quantitative Rapid Test — specimen: WB / S / P