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Epic Test Code LAB150 Cardiac C-Reactive Protein (High Sensitivity)

Performing Location(s)

BMC

Specimen Type

Serum or Plasma

Preferred Container

Gold or Red top

Alternate Container

Green top

Blood Tube Draw Volume

Min 50% draw volume  

Minimum Volume to Submit for Testing

0.5 mL Serum or Plasma

  • Multiple test can be performed from this volume. For question please contact the lab at 547-3975.  

Storage Requirements

Sample tubes should be centrifuged within 2 hour of collection followed by transfer of the serum (red or gold top) or plasma (green top) to a labeled plastic, aliquot tube.

See Causes of Rejection for temperature requirements.

Transportation Needs

Deliver specimen to laboratory within 1 hour of collection if unspun. If not possible see "storage Requirements". 

Causes for Rejection

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen

Less than 50% draw for Vacutainer tubes
> 2 months refrigerated (Serum tubes are routinely stored at the lab for only 7 days therefore, an add-on may not be possible after 7 days.)
> 11 days room temperature (Plasma tubes are routinely stored at the lab for only 3 days therefore, an add-on may not be possible after 3 days.)
> 2 months Frozen
Citrate, Heparin,NaF,Oxalate
Hemolysis > 500 mg/dL HgB
Lipemia > 1000 mg/dL Trig
Bilirubin > 40 mg/dL Bili

Reference Values

Population Units Reference Range
Low Risk mg/L <1
Ave. Risk mg/L 1.0-3.0
High Risk mg/L >3

Persistent elevations may represent non-cardiovascular inflammation.

 

 

Additional Information

C-Reactive Protein is one of the “acute phase” proteins, the serum or plasma levels of which rise during a general, unspecific response to infections and non-infectious inflammatory processes such as rheumatoid arthritis, cardiovascular disease and peripheral vascular disease. CRP is synthesized in liver and is normally present as a trace constituent of serum or plasma.

 

This assay differs from the CRP method by offering an extended range to assess risk of cardiovascular and peripheral vascular disease. CCRP can be used as an independent risk marker for a cardiovascular event. Method performance meets AHA/CDC guidelines for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Several studies have shown that small elevations in concentration of CRP appear to be associated with increased risk for coronary heart disease, sudden death and peripheral artery disease.

 

Measurement should be done in metabolically stable patients free of infection or acute illness. If CCRP is <3 mg/L it does not need to be repeated. If the level is >3 mg/L, repeat measurement at least 2 weeks later in metabolically stable, infection free patients. The lower of the two values should be considered the patient’s value. If CCRP is >10 mg/L this might relate to high cardiovascular risk but other conditions such as obesity, inflammatory disorders or cancer should be considered.

In the absence of infection or inflammation, CCRP levels are stable.

Days of Analysis

All

Available STAT

Yes

Limitations

Lipemic samples (triglyceride >1000 mg/dL should not be used or must be clarified by ultracentrifugation prior to analysis)

Methodology

Beckman AU/Dx Series

CPT Code

86141

Last Updated

18-Mar-22 BHD