The key difference between CRP and hs-CRP is that CRP test measures C-reactive protein within the range from 10 to 1,000 mg/L while the hs-CRP test measures C-reactive protein within the range from 0.5 to 10 mg/L.
C-reactive protein (CRP) is an annular-shaped pentameric protein found in blood plasma. Its circulating concentration rises in response to inflammation. This protein has a hepatic origin and rises in concentration following interleukin-6 secretion by macrophages and T cells. The function of this protein is to bind to lysophosphatidylcholine expressed on the surface of dying cells in order to activate the complement system. C-reactive protein levels in blood plasma can be measured by using various tests. CRP and hs-CRP tests are two methods that measure the blood plasma concentration of the CRP protein.
CONTENTS
1. Overview and Key Difference
2. What is CRP
3. What is hs-CRP
4. Similarities – CRP and hs-CRP
5. CRP vs hs-CRP in Tabular Form
6. Summary – CRP vs hs-CRP
What is CRP?
CRP test measures the level of C-reactive protein in a sample of blood. This protein is usually made by the liver. Normally, people have low levels of the CRP protein in the blood. The liver releases more CRP protein into the bloodstream when people have more inflammation in the body. Therefore, high levels of CRP protein indicate a serious health condition that results in inflammation. CRP test measures CRP within the range from 10 to 1,000 mg/L.
CRP test can be used to monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions such as infections, inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis), autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and vasculitis), and lung diseases like asthma. Moreover, there is a slight risk of having a CRP test as it may cause slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle is put in. However, these symptoms go away quickly.
What is hs-CRP?
Hs-CRP is a very sensitive test that measures CRP within the range from 0.5 to 10 mg/L. In simple terms, this test measures a trace amount of CRP in the blood. Therefore, hs-CRP is more sensitive than a standard CRP test. This test can detect smaller increments in CRP protein levels compared to a standard CRP test. Hence, hs-CRP offers better assay precision and accuracy, wider availability, and the presence of standards for proper calibration of CRP protein levels compared to a standard CRP test. Moreover, the hs-CRP test can help indicate the risk of coronary artery disease (myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral vascular disease, and sudden cardiac death).
There are several side effects after this test, such as bruising at the blood draw site, dizziness or fainting during or after the test, soreness at the blood draw site, and excessive bleeding after the test. Furthermore, a hs-CRP test is slightly more expensive than a CRP test.
What are the Similarities Between CRP and hs-CRP?
- CRP and hs-CRP tests measure the blood plasma concentration of the CRP protein.
- Both tests are currently available in clinical laboratories.
- They may have minor side effects.
What is the Difference Between CRP and hs-CRP?
CRP test is a test that measures CRP within the range from 10 to 1,000 mg/L, while hs-CRP is a test that measures CRP within the range from 0.5 to 10 mg/L. Ths, this is the key difference between CRP and hs-CRP test. Furthermore, a hs-CRP test is more sensitive and more accurate than a CRP test.
The below infographic presents the differences between CRP and hs-CRP in tabular form for side-by-side comparison.
Summary – CRP vs hs-CRP
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein present in blood plasma. The concentration of CRP increases in response to inflammation. Hence, CRP concentration in blood can be used to diagnose various diseases. CRP and hs-CRP tests are two tests of measuring the blood plasma concentration of the CRP protein. However, the hs-CRP test is more sensitive and more accurate than a standard CRP. CRP test measures CRP within the range of 10 to 1,000 mg/L, while hs-CRP measures CRP within the range of 0.5 to 10 mg/L. So, this summarizes the difference between CRP and hs-CRP.
Reference:
1. “HS-CRP Test (C-Reactive Protein High-Sensitivity).” Testing.com.
2. “C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test” MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Image Courtesy:
1. “C-reactive protein” By User Jfdwolff on en. Wikipedia – Originally from en.Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 3.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Blood Test Laboratory” (CC0) via Pixabay