C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test

Who should get a C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test?

CRP is produced by cells in blood vessels.  CRP levels rise (go up) when there is ongoing inflammation.  CRP can help determine if inflammation is bacterial or non-bacterial.

Most importantly, CRP has been associated with elevated risk of Cardiac disease and can be used to stratify cardiac risk to make better healthcare decisions.

The Risk of cardiovascular disease based on CRP is as follows:

• <1.0 mg/dL represents low to below normal risk
• 1.0 - 3.0 mg/dL represents average or moderate risk
• >3.0 mg/dL represents high-risk

Sample Type

• Blood sample
• 1 mL serum collected in SST

Who should get a Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Panel)?

Everyone should routinely check their cholesterol levels, but how often depends on your age and risk factors. Generally, it is recommended that children/young adults should have their first test done between the ages of 9 to 11, and then again every five years. Additionally, men over the age of 45 and women 55 should have the test every 1 to 2 years.¹

Also, If you have one or more risk factors for cardiac disease the frequency of testing may become more frequent, it is important to talk with your doctor to plan how often you should be getting a Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Panel). Some of the risk factors for cardiac disease include:²

• Being overweight
• High blood pressure
• Smoking cigarettes
• High cholesterol on previous test
• Family history of high cholesterol or cardiac disease
• Unhealthy diet
• Age 45+ for men and 50-55+ for women

Turnaround time

• Note: Result turnaround times are only an estimate and may be subject to change.
• Test turnaround time for the Lipid Panel is typically 1-2 business days.

Patient Preparation

• Fasting (no food or drink, only water) for 8-12 hours before your appointment is strongly recommended for our Lipid Panel (Cholesterol Panel), but not required.

Individual Test Information

• Total Cholesterol - A measure of all cholesterol.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL)* - The "bad" cholesterol which contributes to build up in the blood vessels.
  
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) - The "good" cholesterol which helps remove excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver to be removed from the body.
• Triglycerides - Excess fats which can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.¹

References

1. “Cholesterol Levels: What You Need to Know.” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2 Oct. 2020, medlineplus.gov/cholesterollevelswhatyouneedtoknow.html.
2. “Lipid Panel.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lipid-panel.