i-Chroma CRP

C-Reactive Protein was first described in 1930 by Tillet and Francis, named after its ability to precipitate with capsular (C)-polysaccharide of Streptococcus pneumoniae. It is a ring-shaped protein  found in blood plasma, whose levels rise in response to inflammation.C-reactive protein is predominantly synthesized in the liver and then secreted into the blood circulation. In healthy adult volunteer blood donors, the median concentration of CRP is 0.8 mg/L. On infection, immune cells ( esp. macrophages), produces cytokines. Such cytokines are IL-6, IL-1a and TNF. These cytokines causes hepatocytes to produce and secrete CRP into the blood.

The immunological role of CRP is to bind on the surface of damaged cells, as well as to polysaccharides present on bacteria, parasites and fungi walls. This binding activates the classical complement cascade of the immune system and modulates the activity of phagocytic cells.

Elevated levels of CRP in the blood is an indicator of a non-specific maker of an inflammation. CRP, is therefore  a marker of acute inflammation and  rises rapidly within the first 6 to 8 hours and peak at levels of up to 350–400 mg/L after 48 hours.

Measuring  Range 2.5~300 mg/L
Sample Type Whole Blood,
Serum, Plasma
CV <10%
Normal Range 0-10 mg/l
Reaction Time 3Min