1CRP, or C-reactive protein, is a protein produced by liver cells. Its concentration in the blood increases considerably in inflammations, tissue damage and infections. The CRP test, which measures the level of C-reactive protein in blood, is one of the most common lab tests, particularly in the Nordic countries.

2The CRP concentration increases within 6 to 12 hours of the onset of an inflammation and achieves its maximum level in 24 to 28 hours.

3In bacterial infections the CRP concentration often rises to 100 mg/ml, but in very serious infections the concentration can be thousand-fold compared with normal.

4In virus infections the CRP concentration is usually normal or only slightly elevated, but in adenovirus infections and influenza the CRP concentration may rise above 40 mg/l

5CRP is helpful in differential diagnostics between bacterial and viral infections. However, the CRP result must always be interpreted on the basis of the patient’s clinical picture and patient history.

6The CRP test is particularly useful for monitoring the efficacy of antibiotic therapy. The CRP concentration falls rapidly when the antibiotic is working.

7It has been estimated that more than half of all antibiotics are taken without actual need for them. A definite connection has been shown between abundant use of antibiotics and the development of microbial resistance to antibiotics.

8While bacteria are becoming more resistant to antibiotics, development of new antibiotics is stagnating. This complicates the treatment of infections.  

9The quantitative CRP rapid test was developed to support clinical decision-making. The doctor can make a quick diagnosis, and the right treatment can be initiated without delay. Thus, the CRP test can help to avoid unnecessary treatment with antibiotics and maintain the efficacy of important antibiotics.

10The CRP rapid test requires just a finger-prick blood sample and can be performed in the doctor’s office. The result is available immediately. These kind of point-of-care tests were introduced in the market in the latter half of the 1990s. Finland was among the pioneers. Orion Diagnostica’s QuikRead® system has been a forerunner in this field.