What is the difference between standard CRP and high-sensitivity CRP?

Standard CRP measures gross inflammation (typically >3–10 mg/L). High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) measures low-level chronic inflammation and is used for cardiovascular risk stratification below 3 mg/L.

How quickly does CRP rise in infection?

CRP rises within 6 hours of an inflammatory stimulus, peaks at 48 hours, and falls with a half-life of ~19 hours once the stimulus resolves. It is slower to rise than procalcitonin but remains a reliable acute-phase marker.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Interpretation

Interprets serum CRP levels: <1 mg/L = low cardiovascular risk; 1–3 = intermediate CV risk; 3–10 = mild to moderate inflammation; 10–100 = significant inflammation or infection; >100 mg/L = severe bacterial infection, burn, or trauma.

Use the full interactive calculator below, or

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Interpretation

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between standard CRP and high-sensitivity CRP?

How quickly does CRP rise in infection?