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Test Code LAB5016 C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Plasma or Serum

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC EPIC Test Code Mnemonic
CRP LAB5016 CRPRO

 

Useful For/Utility

Measurement of C-reactive protein is useful in the detection and evaluation of infection, tissue injury and inflammatory disorders.

Methodology

Turbidimetric/Immunoturbidimetric

Clinical Information

C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose concentration rises non-specifically in response to inflammation. CRP is seen to increase as a result of the inflammatory process, most notably in response to pneumococcal (bacterial) infection, histolytic disease, and a variety of other disease states. Intraindividual variation is a major limitation of the assay when the assay is used for directing therapies. Intraindividual variations of the CRP levels are from 30% to 60%. Serial measurement may be required to estimate true mean of CRP depending on the intended use in any specific individual. CRP is used as a marker or general diagnostic indicator of infections and inflammation, in addition to serving as a monitor of patient response to pharmacological therapy and surgery.

Specimen Requirements

Submit only 1 of the following specimens:

 

Preferred:

Specimen Type: Plasma

Container/Tube: Light-green top (lithium heparin gel)

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Separate plasma from cells within 2 hours of draw.

2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of plasma is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.
Additional Information:

1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Label specimen appropriately (plasma).

 

Alternate:

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube: Serum gel

Specimen Volume: 1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

1. Separate serum from cells within 2 hours of draw.

2. If plunger filters are used, immediate removal of serum is indicated unless an air gap can be created between the device and specimen.
Additional Information:

1. Avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

2. Label specimen appropriately (serum).

Specimen Transport Temperature

Refrigerate 5 days/Ambient 8 hours OK/Frozen OK

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

86140

Performing Laboratory - Chemistry

Minnesota North Dakota Wisconsin
Ada Hospital Lab Fargo Hospital Lab Ashland Clinic Lab
Deer River Hospital Lab Mid Dakota Bismarck 9th Street Hayward Clinic Lab
Ely Clinic Lab South University Clinic Lab Spooner Clinic Lab
Fosston Hospital Lab   St. Mary's Hospital-Superior
Hibbing Clinic Lab    
Holy Trinity Hospital Lab    
International Falls Clinic Lab    
Moose Lake Hospital Lab    
Northern Pines Lab    
Park Rapids Clinic Lab    
Sandstone Hospital Lab    
SMDC Clinical Lab    
St. Joseph's - Baxter Clinic Lab    
St. Joseph's - Brainerd Clinic Lab    
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab    
St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital     
Virginia Hospital Lab    

 

Reference Values

0-0.8 mg/dL