CRP TUBE

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test is a blood test that checks for inflammation in your body. CRP is a protein that is made in your liver and released into your bloodstream. Levels of CRP start to increase very soon after any inflammation or infection affects your body.

CRP is an acute phase reactant, which can be used as a test for inflammatory diseases, infections, and neoplastic diseases. Progressive increases correlate with increases of inflammation/injury. CRP is a more sensitive, rapidly responding indicator than ESR. CRP may be used to detect early postoperative wound infection and to follow therapeutic response to anti-inflammatory agents. Recent reports have indicated that a highly sensitive version of the CRP assay may be used as an additional indicator for susceptibility to cardiac disease.

Advance Information*

Introduction

The CRP Tube reagent is specifically designed to provide a quantitative determination of C-reactive protein (CRP) in human serum using latex turbidimetry. This system is vital for medical professionals aiming to gauge the extent of inflammation, infection, or tissue injury in the body. CRP is a protein produced primarily by the liver in response to these conditions. It acts as an acute-phase reactant, giving valuable insights into the body's state and any underlying health issues. This detailed description covers all aspects, technical details, and relevant information regarding the CRP Tube, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of this crucial diagnostic tool.

Purpose and Applications

Quantitative CRP Determination: The primary purpose of the CRP Tube reagent is to measure the concentration of C-reactive protein in the serum quantitatively. This is achieved through latex turbidimetry, a precise and reliable method that offers quick results.

Inflammation and Infection Monitoring: CRP levels rise rapidly in response to inflammation or infection, making this test invaluable for detecting and monitoring these conditions. It serves as a critical marker in diagnosing acute and chronic inflammatory diseases.

Postoperative Monitoring: The CRP test is also useful in detecting early postoperative wound infections. A sudden increase in CRP levels post-surgery can indicate the presence of an infection, allowing for timely intervention.

Cardiac Risk Assessment: A high-sensitivity version of the CRP assay has been developed for cardiac risk assessment. This test can help identify individuals at higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, providing a proactive approach to heart health.

Test Components and Procedure

Test Includes: - Quantitative measurement of CRP concentration in serum (mg/L). - The expected turnaround time for results is within one day.

Expected Turnaround Time: The results are typically available within a day from the specimen pickup. However, additional time may be required for confirmatory or reflex tests.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type: - Serum

Volume Required: - 1 mL

Container Types: - Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube

Storage Instructions: - Room temperature

Stability Requirements

Temperature & Period: - Room Temperature: 14 days - Refrigerated: 14 days - Frozen: 14 days

Freeze/Thaw Cycles: - Stable through up to 3 freeze/thaw cycles

Related Information

The CRP Tube test is related to several other diagnostic tests and assessments, particularly:

C-Reactive Protein (CRP), High Sensitivity: - Used for cardiac risk assessment.

Detailed Analysis of C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

Function and Production: CRP is an acute phase protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury. It is part of the body's immune response and increases rapidly in the presence of these conditions.

Clinical Significance: CRP levels in the blood can provide important diagnostic information: - Inflammation: Elevated CRP levels indicate the presence of inflammation, which can result from conditions like arthritis, lupus, and other autoimmune diseases. - Infection: Higher CRP levels can suggest bacterial and viral infections. - Tissue Injury: Increased levels of CRP are also seen in response to tissue injury from trauma or surgery.

Progressive Increases: A continuous rise in CRP levels correlates with an increasing severity of inflammation or injury. This makes CRP a more sensitive and rapidly responding indicator than the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).

Therapeutic Response: Monitoring CRP levels can help assess the effectiveness of anti-inflammatory treatments. A decrease in CRP levels typically indicates a successful response to therapy.

Additional Utility in Cardiac Risk Assessment

Recent clinical studies have shown that high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) testing can serve as an additional indicator for cardiac disease susceptibility. Elevated hs-CRP levels are associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes. This test can be especially useful for individuals with risk factors like hypertension, obesity, smoking, and a family history of heart disease.

By providing an early warning, hs-CRP testing offers a valuable tool for preventative cardiology, helping to identify at-risk patients before clinical symptoms manifest.

Instructions for Medical Professionals

Specimen Collection: - Ensure the serum specimen is collected in a red-top tube or a gel-barrier tube. - The required volume for the test is 1 mL.

Storage and Stability: - Store the specimen at room temperature, refrigerated, or frozen, depending on the time frame before testing. - Specimens are stable for up to 14 days across these storage conditions. - The specimen maintains stability through up to three freeze/thaw cycles, ensuring reliable results even if multiple tests are required.

Summary

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