C-Reactive Protein · high result
What does a high C-Reactive Protein mean?
Short answer
Standard CRP rises within hours of infection, injury, surgery or an inflammatory flare and falls quickly once the cause resolves. Very high values (above ~100 mg/L) usually indicate bacterial infection or significant inflammation; moderate values are seen in viral illness, autoimmune disease, inflammatory bowel disease and after exercise or injury. It tells you inflammation is present, not where.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When does this result need same-day care?
- A very high CRP with fever, severe pain or feeling very unwell — same-day care
What is the normal range for C-Reactive Protein?
- age 18+: 0.000 – 10.0 mg/L
Often reflects infection, injury, or active inflammatory disease.
Full reference table, citations and testing options: C-Reactive Protein biomarker page.
What are the common causes of high C-Reactive Protein?
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Injury, surgery, burns
- Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions: rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis
- Obesity, smoking (mild chronic elevation)
- Cancer (some), pancreatitis
What symptoms go with high C-Reactive Protein?
- Depends on the cause — fever, pain, joint swelling
What do clinicians usually check next?
- Interpret with symptoms; repeat in 2–4 weeks once the acute illness passes
- CBC, ESR; targeted tests for the suspected source
- Persistent elevation without a cause warrants a clinician evaluation
Follow-up tests available at TestWell: CBC with Differential ($21.99), CBC (Complete Blood Count) ($21.99), Body Inflammation Test (ESR) ($18.99), Sed Rate (ESR) ($24.99).
How do you recheck C-Reactive Protein?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | Test | $26.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
Common questions
What's the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
Same protein, different sensitivity. hs-CRP measures precisely in the 0–10 mg/L range for heart-risk estimation; standard CRP is for detecting and tracking active inflammation and infection.
Sources
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.