CRP (C-reactive protein) Blood Test
CRP is the most accessible measure of systemic inflammation in your body — a low-key but powerful health signal.
What CRP measures
C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The high-sensitivity CRP test (hs-CRP) measures small amounts and is commonly used to assess cardiovascular risk and chronic low-grade inflammation, on top of acute infection or injury responses.
Who should consider checking CRP
Have you noticed any of these:
- family history of heart attack or stroke
- interest in tracking the inflammation side of cardiovascular risk
- an active longevity or training focus
- chronic conditions where inflammation matters (e.g. autoimmune)
- tracking the impact of diet, exercise or supplements
- checked it before and want to see how it's tracking
How the test works
Single blood draw, no fasting required. Avoid testing within a few days of an infection, vaccination, or significant injury — those will temporarily raise CRP. Results back same day.
What "normal" can look like
Most labs report CRP in mg/L. For cardiovascular risk, low risk is generally discussed as below 1, average 1–3, higher above 3. But CRP is non-specific — it goes up with anything from a cold to a hard workout to chronic disease. Patterns over multiple readings are more useful than any single number. Always interpret with your doctor.
Where to get a CRP test
CRP is included in these panels:
- CRP Blood Test — One number for how much inflammation is going on in your body. High-sensitivity CRP, the marker a standard cholesterol check leaves out. Our simplest test. A$35
- Cardiovascular Risk Panel — Beyond standard cholesterol — the advanced cardiovascular markers most GPs don't routinely check. A$179
Frequently asked questions
Why might my CRP be temporarily high?
CRP rises with any inflammation — colds, dental issues, hard exercise within 48 hours, recent injury or vaccination. If it's unexpectedly high, retest in 2–4 weeks once any obvious trigger has passed.
Should I fast?
No fasting required for CRP.
Is high CRP a heart disease diagnosis?
No. Elevated CRP is a risk signal, not a diagnosis. Combine with other cardiovascular markers (ApoB, lipoprotein(a), traditional lipids) for a fuller picture, and discuss with your doctor.
Related biomarkers
Guides
- Beyond Cholesterol: The Heart Markers Modern Medicine Probably Isn't Testing For (2026) — A standard cholesterol test covers four numbers. Markers like ApoB, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine and hs-CRP give a fuller picture of cardiovascular risk — and most people have never had them measured.
- How Much Does a Private Blood Test Cost in Australia? A Buyer's Guide (2026) — Private blood tests in Australia range from $35 for single biomarkers up to $500+ for comprehensive panels. What you're paying for, what drives the cost, and when private testing is worth it.