Heart health

High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)

Updated 2026-10-14Written for education by the Zenlo Health editorial teamHow we review
Quick answerHigh-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures a protein your liver makes when inflammation is present. Levels under 1 mg/L are low risk, 1 to 3 mg/L are average, and above 3 mg/L suggest higher cardiovascular risk when no infection is present.
Fasting and prepNo fasting needed. Try not to test during or right after illness, a hard workout, or dental work.
Typical turnaroundUsually 1 to 3 days.
Also calledhscrp, c-reactive protein, crp test

What it measures

hs-CRP does not pinpoint where inflammation sits. A cold, a workout injury, or a dental problem can push it up. That is why guidelines suggest repeating a high result 2 weeks later when you are well. It can help refine risk for people whose other numbers leave the decision unclear.

Who should consider it

  • Adults with borderline risk who want more detail before deciding on treatment
  • People tracking inflammation along with other heart markers

How to read your result

hs-CRP (mg/L)

Above 10 mg/L usually points to acute inflammation or infection, not long-term heart risk. Repeat when you are well.

  • One high result after a recent illness tells you little.
  • Two high results two weeks apart, with no infection, count more.
  • Weight, sleep, smoking, and gum disease all influence this number.

Reference ranges differ between labs. Use the range printed on your own report.

When to get care right away. Chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, fainting, or sudden weakness on one side: call 911. A blood test cannot rule out a heart attack.

What to do next

hs-CRP helps frame risk. It does not replace LDL, ApoB, blood pressure, and family history.

Where to order High-sensitivity CRP

These sellers include an independent physician order. You pay online and visit a partner lab. Availability, price, and lab network vary, so confirm at checkout.

Private MD Labs

Online lab seller
  • Says 4,500+ Quest and Labcorp locations
  • Every order reviewed by a physician. Says you pay $1 to start and the rest after results.
  • Secure online portal with plain-English explanations. Says many results arrive overnight.
hs-CRP: $58, seen 2026-10-14
Visit site Read review

HealthLabs

Online lab seller
  • Says 4,500+ labs, including Quest and Labcorp
  • Online or by phone. No doctor referral or insurance needed.
  • Secure HealthLabs account. Says 1 to 3 business days.
Visit site Read review

Walk-In Lab

Online lab seller
  • Lab network not named on its homepage
  • Online, no insurance or doctor order needed. Shows a $6 physician fee per order on popular tests.
  • Online account. Turnaround not stated on its homepage.
Visit site Read review

Quest Health

Lab-run
  • Quest, 2,000+ locations
  • Buy online and book a Quest appointment. An independent provider is involved.
  • Online as soon as ready, with an email alert. Provider discussion included at no extra cost.
Visit site Read review

Seller details come from each seller's own site and can change. Confirm price, lab location, and state availability at checkout.

Questions people ask

Is CRP the same as hs-CRP?

They share a protein, but the high-sensitivity version detects small changes in the low range, which is what matters for heart risk.

Why was my hs-CRP high?

Infection, injury, intense exercise, and certain conditions raise it. Retest when you feel well, and ask a clinician if it stays high.

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