C- Reactive Protein (CRP) is a non-specific blood test that indicates inflammation. A sample of blood is collected and the level of the target protein is measured. This protein is manufactured by the liver in response to infectious or inflammatory disease states.

Two common types of CRP testing are performed, cardiac and non-cardiac. The former is used almost exclusively for diagnosis of cardiologic events. The latter is used in evaluating a wide variety of inflammatory diseases.

CRP is felt to be more sensitive than ESR, as well as more useful in evaluating the severity of inflammatory diseases over time.