Test Directory

CRP is an acute reactant, which can be used as a general screening aid for inflammatory diseases, infections, and neoplastic diseases. In addition to its usual value as an acute phase reactant, CRP in large concentration (>5.0 mg/L) can predict progression of erosions in rheumatoid arthritis. Elevated serum CRP is characteristic of bacterial, but not viral, meningitis or meningoencephalitis. It may be useful in monitoring the clinical course of these illnesses. CRP concentrations characteristically return to normal after 7 days of appropriate treatment of bacterial meningitis if no complications develop. Serial monitoring of serum CRP concentrations may be useful clinically.

Specimen Types: Serum or Plasma

Collection Containers:

• Gold Top, Serum Separator
• Light Green Top, Plasma Separator
• Red Top, Separator

Minimum Acceptable Volume: 0.4 mL

Separator tubes: Contains clot activator and gel for separating serum from cells, but not anticoagulant. Separate serum from cells as soon as the clot has formed (30 minutes). If specimen is centrifuged before clotting is complete, a fibrin clot will form on top of the cell. This may cause the gel barrier to not be intact and could cause improper separation of serum and cells, possibly affecting test results.

Tubes with anticoagulant: To ensure accurate test results, all tubes containing an anticoagulant or preservative must be allowed to fill completely. Attempts to force more blood into the tube by exerting pressure, as in collection with a syringe, will result in damage to the red cells (hemolysis).

Transport to the laboratory refrigerated.

HNL Lab Medicine Chemistry Reference Intervals