What is the High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein test?

The High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) test measures very low concentrations of C-reactive protein in the blood. CRP is produced by the liver in response to inflammation, infection, or tissue injury.

Unlike standard CRP tests, the high-sensitivity version can detect subtle, chronic inflammation that may not cause obvious symptoms. This makes it particularly useful for assessing cardiovascular risk and low-grade inflammatory activity.

The test is widely used in preventative health screening and long-term risk assessment rather than acute infection diagnosis.

Why do I need a High Sensitivity CRP test?

Low-grade inflammation plays a key role in the development of cardiovascular disease and other chronic conditions. hs-CRP helps identify inflammation that may otherwise go unnoticed.

This test is often used alongside cholesterol and other heart health markers to provide a more complete risk profile.

You may benefit from an hs-CRP test if you:

• Have a family history of heart disease
• Have borderline cholesterol levels
• Have metabolic risk factors
• Experience unexplained fatigue or aches
• Have chronic inflammatory conditions
• Are monitoring cardiovascular risk
• Want a preventative health assessment

Conditions linked to elevated hs-CRP may include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Metabolic syndrome
• Chronic low-grade inflammation
• Autoimmune or inflammatory disorders

Benefits of the hs-CRP test

• Detects low-grade inflammation
  Identifies inflammation not seen on standard CRP tests.
• Supports cardiovascular risk assessment
  Used alongside lipid testing.
• Aids preventative health screening
  Identifies risk before symptoms develop.
• Non-invasive and simple
  Requires a single blood sample.
• Widely clinically recognised
  Used in NHS and private care.
• Supports long-term monitoring
  Useful for tracking inflammation trends.
• Relevant to metabolic health
  Inflammation contributes to insulin resistance.
• Improves risk stratification
  Adds context to other biomarkers.

Step by step – how the test works

You can access hs-CRP testing UK-wide through two options:

1. Clinic appointment
   Choose your nearest UK clinic. A healthcare professional will take your blood sample.
2. At-home or hotel visit (£60 extra)
   A qualified phlebotomist comes to your home or hotel, so you don’t need to travel.

Your sample is analysed in an accredited UK laboratory, and results are delivered securely.

Your results explained

Low hs-CRP levels

Suggest minimal inflammation and lower cardiovascular risk.

Typical UK reference range:

• < 1.0 mg/L (low risk)

Moderate hs-CRP levels

Indicate some inflammatory activity and moderate cardiovascular risk.

Typical UK reference range:

• 1.0–3.0 mg/L (moderate risk)

High hs-CRP levels

Suggest significant inflammation and higher cardiovascular risk. Acute infection should be excluded.

Typical UK reference range:

• > 3.0 mg/L (high risk)

Values above 10 mg/L usually suggest acute infection or injury and should be interpreted separately.