CRP blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver and released into the bloodstream as part of the body's acute response to inflammation, infection or tissue injury. Levels can rise quickly and fall again as the cause settles.

CRP is a non-specific marker. It tells you that inflammation is present somewhere, but not where it is or what is driving it. For that reason it is usually read alongside your symptoms, an examination and other blood tests such as a full blood count.

The price includes the blood sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review of your result with you, and a GP feedback report on request. The standard CRP test is £49.

Who it is for

• You have felt unwell, run down or feverish and want to know whether there is an inflammatory response.
• You live with an inflammatory condition, such as an arthritis or bowel condition, and track it over time.
• Your GP or another clinician has suggested repeating a CRP after an infection.
• You have joint pain, stiffness or swelling and would like a starting point for a conversation.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your CRP value next to the laboratory reference range. A mildly raised result can follow a recent cold, a minor injury, hard exercise or a flare of a long-term condition. A markedly raised result is more often linked with a bacterial infection or significant inflammation and is something your practitioner will want to discuss promptly.

A normal CRP does not exclude every condition, as some inflammatory problems do not raise it much. Any result outside the range is a prompt for discussion and, where needed, referral to your GP, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

No fasting is needed for a CRP test and you can eat and drink as normal. Let us know about any recent illness, vaccination, injury or strenuous training, and any anti-inflammatory or steroid medicines you take, because these can affect the level. Please keep taking prescribed medicines unless your doctor tells you otherwise.

CRP is also part of Omnia Essential Plus, which adds blood count, liver, kidney and cholesterol markers, and of Anaemia Check, where it helps interpret ferritin. You can also compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is a CRP blood test in Chiswick?

A CRP blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. This includes the sample at our Chiswick clinic, laboratory analysis, a practitioner review of your result and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?

Both measure the same protein. The standard CRP test is designed to pick up the higher levels seen with infection and active inflammation, while high sensitivity CRP measures very low levels and is used as one factor when looking at heart and circulation risk.

Can a CRP test tell me what is causing inflammation?

No. CRP shows that inflammation is present but does not identify its cause or location. Your practitioner reads it with your symptoms and other results and will advise you to see your GP if further investigation is needed.

Should I wait until I feel better before testing?

That depends on your reason for testing. If you want a baseline, it is better to test when you have been well for a couple of weeks. If you want to understand current symptoms, testing while you have them is more useful.