what is crp test
The CRP (C-Reactive Protein) test is a blood test that measures the concentration of a special type of protein produced in the liver. The protein is present during episodes of acute inflammation or infection. In the body, CRP interacts with the complement system, an immunologic defense mechanism.
The CRP test is a general test to check for inflammation in the body. It is not a specific test. That means it can reveal that you have inflammation somewhere in your body, but it cannot pinpoint the exact location. The CRP test is often done with the ESR or sed rate test which also looks for inflammation.