hs-CRP blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

C-reactive protein is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The high sensitivity version of the test uses a more precise method that can detect much lower concentrations than a standard CRP. This allows it to pick up the low-grade, long-term inflammation that has been linked with the build-up of fatty deposits in the arteries.

hs-CRP is not a diagnosis of heart disease. It is one piece of a broader cardiovascular risk picture, best read together with cholesterol, blood pressure, smoking status, blood sugar and family history. It is not used routinely in NHS risk calculators, but some clinicians use it to add detail.

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.

Who it is for

• You want to add an inflammation marker to your cholesterol and heart health results.
• You have a family history of early heart disease.
• You have borderline cholesterol and want more information to discuss with your GP.
• You are making lifestyle changes and want a marker to track over time.
• You have an inflammatory condition and want to understand your general inflammation level.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your hs-CRP value and the laboratory reference range. For heart risk purposes, lower values generally suggest less low-grade inflammation, and higher values suggest more. A very high result usually reflects a recent infection or injury rather than heart risk, so the test is often repeated once you are well.

hs-CRP is influenced by weight, smoking, activity levels, sleep, some medicines and many long-term conditions. A value outside the range is a prompt for discussion with your practitioner about your overall risk, not a diagnosis.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not needed for hs-CRP on its own, although if you are also having cholesterol measured we will confirm whether fasting is advised. Try to test when you have been free of colds and infections for at least two weeks and avoid strenuous exercise for 48 hours beforehand. Tell us about any anti-inflammatory, steroid or statin medicines you take.

hs-CRP is part of Advanced GP2 and Advanced GP3, which combine heart, liver, kidney and other markers. For cholesterol itself, see Heart Health. You can compare every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an hs-CRP test in Chiswick?

An hs-CRP blood test at Omnia Lifestyle costs £49. The price covers your sample in Chiswick, analysis at an accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between hs-CRP and CRP?

They measure the same protein. Standard CRP detects the higher levels seen with infection and active inflammation, while hs-CRP measures much lower levels that relate to longer-term inflammation.

Should I test hs-CRP if I have a cold?

It is best to wait until you have been well for about two weeks, as infections raise CRP and make the result hard to interpret for heart risk.

Does a high hs-CRP mean I will have a heart attack?

No. It is one risk factor among many. Your practitioner will look at it with cholesterol, blood pressure and lifestyle factors and may suggest you speak to your GP.