How soon will the test arrive?

If you order your test before midday on a Monday to Friday then your kit will be dispatched the same day. All our kits are sent out via Royal Mail first class post, so it should be with you within 1-2 working days.

How secure is my data?

We have strict processes in place to ensure the protection of your data. Following GDPR the company also operates under tight legal rules about the sharing of data which ensures that data is only shared if it is crucial to the delivery of our service. For example, our doctors see customer results at the time of review, however, after review, access to results is withdrawn. Learn more about your data security.

Can I have someone take my blood for me?

Yes. We offer two options if you do not want to do our finger prick test. The first is a home appointment where a nurse comes to your home to take a blood sample. The second is to visit a Phlebotomy clinic near you that offers a blood sample service. A blood sample will be taken from your vein and we will provide you with everything you need to give to the nurse to allow them to take the sample. The nurse will give you the blood sample to return to us using the pre-paid envelope provided.

Does a doctor review my results?

We have a team of doctors and nurses who look at all results and will comment on any results that are outside of the normal range for your age.

Can I download the results to share with my GP?

Yes, you can download your results from your health dashboard as a PDF to share with your GP. Learn how to export your results.

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hs-CRP

July 21, 2020

Contents:

What role does CRP play in the body?
How does CRP affect my wellbeing?
How can I improve my result?
References

What is C reactive protein (CRP)?

C reactive protein (CRP) is a protein whose concentration within the blood increases when inflammation or bacterial infection is present. Levels can also increase after a heart attack, surgery or trauma and it is often referred to as an acute phase reactant.[1]

What role does CRP play in the body?

CRP is used to look for infection and can also be used to test individual risk for cardiovascular disease. CRP is an inflammatory biomarker and can be used to detect individuals who are at a greater risk of heart attack or stroke.[2] Inflammation plays a key role in atherothrombosis, a condition which is a major cause of acute coronary syndromes and cardiovascular death. It causes the development of plaques in the blood vessels which can dislodge and go on to block the blood flow to the heart or brain causing a heart attack, stroke and/or death.[3]

As CRP is an inflammatory biomarker, it can be increased in other types of illnesses. The CRP test can identify inflammation but can’t pinpoint exactly what is causing it. So, raised levels may be caused by bacterial infections, arthritis or intense exercise.

How does CRP affect my wellbeing?

You may not have any specific symptoms if you have high CRP levels. However, you may be at greater risk of cardiovascular disease or stroke if:

You are overweight
You smoke
You drink alcohol frequently and heavily
You lead a sedentary lifestyle

As CRP can rise due to inflammation, some symptoms can include:

Illness
Redness around the area
Swelling
Pain
The affected area may be hot to touch
You may have a loss of function around the affected area

These symptoms are generally caused by infections from bacteria, fungi or viruses, injuries such as cuts or broken limbs or radiation. Illnesses which result in inflammation usually end in “itis” such as cystitis, tonsillitis or bronchitis.[4]

How can I improve my result?

There is little scientific evidence to show that diet can reduce CRP levels. However, following the Mediterranean Diet can help to reduce inflammatory state associated with metabolic syndromes and can also protect against the development of cardiovascular disease. Ensuring the immune system is well maintained through diet can also help to reduce the likelihood of inflammation.

The Mediterranean Diet has been shown to reduce inflammatory markers in individuals with metabolic syndrome.[5] The diet is characterised by a high intake of fruit, vegetables, nuts, olive oil and grains as well as a moderate consumption of fish and wine. The Mediterranean Diet promotes a low intake of processed and red meat as well as whole-fat dairy products such as milk and cheese.[6]

Dietary polyphenols have antioxidant properties which have a protective mechanism against oxidative stress. This, in turn, means that intake can help to reduce the risk of chronic and degenerative disease. Good sources of dietary polyphenols are fruits, vegetables, grains, herbs and spices such as ginger and turmeric.[7]

CRP has been shown to increase immediately in response to exercise. However, this increase is not usually associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and should return to normal within 20 hours of the exercise being carried out.[8]

Exercise and physical activity, however, are protective against the development of cardiovascular disease. Aerobic exercise such as walking, jogging, swimming and cycling and endurance training has been shown to be beneficial.[9]

hs-CRP Tests

All these tests include hs-CRP. Select the test that suits your personal needs.

CRP Blood Test (hs-CRP)

Our high sensitivity CRP blood test can assess the amount of inflammation within the body.

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References

[1] Lab Tests Online UK. (2018). High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP). Available at: https://labtestsonline.org/tests/high-sensitivity-c-reactive-protein-hs-crp

[2] Ridker, P. M. (2001). High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein: Potential Adjunct for Global Risk Assessment in the Primary Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease. Circulation: 103, pp 1813-1818.

[3] Viles-Gonzalez, J, F., Fuster, V and Badimon, J, J. (2004). Atherothrombosis: A Widespread Disease with Unpredictable and Life-Threatening Consequences. European Heart Journal: 25(14), pp 1197-1207.

[4] Informed Health Online. (2015). What is Inflammation? Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0072482/

[5] Esposito, K., Marfella, R and Ciotala, M. (2004). Effect of a Mediterranean-Style Diet on Endothelial Dusfunction and Markers of Vascular Inflammation in the Metabolic Syndrome: A Randomized Trial. JAMA: 292(12), pp 1440-1446.

[6] Salas-Salvadó, J., Bulló, M., Babio, N et al. (2011). Reduction in the Incidence of Type 2 Diabetes with the Mediterranean Diet: Results of the PREDIMED-Resu Nutrition Intervention Randomized Trial. Diabetes Care: 34(1), pp 14-19.

[7] Zhang, H and Tsao, R. (2016). Dietary Polyphenols, Oxidative Stress and Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects. Current Opinion in Food Science: 8, pp 33-42.

[8] Rauhe Mouridsen, M., Wendelboe Nielsen, O., Malchau Carlsen, C., Mattsson, N., Ruwald, M, H., Binici, Z and Sajadieh, A. (2014). High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein and Exercise-Induced Changes in Subjects Suspected of Coronary Heart Disease. Journal of Inflammation Research: 7, pp 45-55.

[9] Joyner, M, J and Green, D, J. (2009). Exercise Protects the Cardiovascular System: Effects Beyond Traditional Risk Factors. The Journal of Physiology: 587(pt23), pp 5551-5558.

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This information has been medically reviewed by Dr Nicky Keay

Nicola has extensive clinical and research experience in the fields of endocrinology and sport and exercise medicine. Nicky is a member of the Royal College of Physicians, Honorary Fellow in the Department of Sport and Exercise Sciences at Durham University and former Research Fellow at St. Thomas' Hospital.