A CRP test measures C-reactive protein in the blood, which rises when there is inflammation or infection in the body.

When should I take a CRP test?

If you have signs of infection, chronic pain, unexplained fever, or if your doctor wants to monitor a condition, a CRP test is recommended.

What causes high CRP levels?

High CRP levels may result from bacterial infections, autoimmune conditions, inflammatory diseases, or cardiovascular problems.

Do I need to fast for a CRP test?

Fasting is not typically required for a CRP test unless other tests are done alongside it.

Where can I get a CRP test done in India?

CRP tests are available through labs like Thyrocare, which you can access easily via platforms like SecondMedic for home collection.

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Published on: Jul 07, 2025
3 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

CRP Test Meaning And When To Do It

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If you’ve recently had blood work or your doctor suspects an infection or inflammation, they may have recommended a CRP test. But what is it? Why is it important? And when exactly should you get it done?

Let’s simplify the medical jargon and walk you through the CRP test meaning and when to do it, especially in the Indian healthcare context.

What Is a CRP Test?

CRP stands for C-reactive protein. It is a substance produced by your liver in response to inflammation in the body.

The CRP test is a blood test that measures the amount of C-reactive protein in your blood. High levels of CRP usually mean there’s inflammation in your body, which could be due to an infection, injury, or a chronic disease like arthritis.

High CRP = Inflammation Alert

This test doesn’t tell you what’s causing the inflammation—it simply tells you that something is wrong, and further testing might be needed.

What Does the CRP Test Detect?

While CRP is a general marker, it is helpful in detecting:

Bacterial or viral infections
Autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
Inflammatory bowel diseases
COVID-19 severity
Heart disease risk (especially with high-sensitivity CRP or hs-CRP)

When Should You Do a CRP Test?

You should get a CRP test done when:

You have fever or chills that won’t go away
You’re showing signs of infection like cough, swelling, or pain
Your doctor is monitoring an autoimmune disease
You’re recovering from surgery or injury
Your doctor is checking inflammation due to chronic disease
You are showing COVID-like symptoms (to assess severity)

Normal CRP Levels:

CRP Level	Interpretation
Below 1 mg/L	Low risk of inflammation
1–3 mg/L	Moderate risk
Above 3 mg/L	High inflammation or infection present
Above 10 mg/L	May indicate serious infection or disease

Note: For heart disease risk, a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is used.

Is Fasting Required for the CRP Test?

No, fasting is not required. You can take the CRP test at any time of day, unless it is being done with other tests that require fasting (like blood sugar or cholesterol).

Lab Tests Packages Including CRP

You can book a CRP test alone or as part of a health package via SecondMedic.com, powered by Thyrocare:

Basic CRP Test

Detects inflammation/infection
Simple blood draw
Home sample collection

COVID Monitoring Panel

CRP, D-Dimer, Ferritin, CBC
Recommended if you have COVID symptoms or are recovering

Inflammation Panel

CRP + ESR + CBC + Liver Profile
For those with chronic fatigue, joint pain, or autoimmune diseases

Lifestyle Tips If Your CRP is High

A high CRP may indicate ongoing inflammation. Along with medical treatment, here are some tips:

Eat more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Cut down on sugar and processed food
Include omega-3 rich foods like flaxseed and fish
Exercise regularly
Manage stress and sleep better
Quit smoking and limit alcohol

5 Most Asked Questions About the CRP Test

1. What is the CRP test used for?

CRP tests are used to check for inflammation due to infections, autoimmune diseases, and to monitor treatment effectiveness.

2. What causes a high CRP level?

Infections, chronic inflammation, surgery, injuries, and lifestyle diseases like diabetes and heart disease.

3. Is a CRP test painful?

No. It’s a simple blood test and usually takes just a few minutes.

4. How long does it take to get CRP test results?

Most labs deliver CRP results within 24 to 48 hours.

5. Can CRP levels return to normal?

Yes, with proper treatment and lifestyle changes, CRP levels can go back to the normal range.

Booking a CRP Test Online (Thyrocare via SecondMedic)

Here’s how you can book it:

Go to www.secondmedic.com
Search for "CRP Test – Thyrocare"
Select home sample collection
Enter your location and schedule pickup
Get digital results within 1–2 days

Conclusion

The CRP test is a simple, affordable, and powerful tool to detect inflammation early. Whether you’re dealing with an infection, monitoring a chronic condition, or recovering from illness, this test gives your doctor a clearer picture of what’s happening inside your body.

Don’t ignore signs like unexplained fever, fatigue, or body pain. Get tested.

If you’re wondering about CRP test meaning and when to do it — the answer is simple: whenever inflammation or infection is suspected, this test is your body's alert system.

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Read FAQs

A. A CRP (C-reactive protein) test is a blood test that detects inflammation in your body. It’s used to monitor infections, autoimmune diseases, or heart conditions.

A. You should get a CRP test if you have symptoms like high fever, fatigue, swelling, or suspected infection, or if your doctor is monitoring a chronic condition.

A. A high CRP level indicates inflammation, which could be due to infections, autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis), or heart problems.

A. No, fasting is generally not needed for a CRP test. It can be done at any time of the day unless your doctor advises otherwise.

A. You can book a CRP test through diagnostic partners like Thyrocare via SecondMedic.com, with home sample collection and quick results.

Read Blog

Mental Health Issues in Indian Elderly: A Growing Concern Often Overlooked

India’s senior population is growing faster than ever before. By 2050, one in five Indians will be above 60 years of age - a remarkable demographic shift. But behind this silver lining lies a silent crisis: mental health among India’s elderly.

The Hidden Struggle Behind Aging

Old age brings wisdom, but also biological and emotional challenges. Retirement, loss of loved ones, financial dependency, or health decline can trigger mental distress. Yet, these issues often go unnoticed because families mistake them for “normal signs of aging.”

According to the National Mental Health Survey by NIMHANS, nearly 20% of India’s elderly experience mental health issues, especially depression and anxiety. In rural areas, the situation is worse due to lack of awareness and healthcare access.

Common Mental Health Problems in Indian Seniors

Depression - Often triggered by loneliness, bereavement, or chronic illnesses. Signs include low mood, hopelessness, loss of interest, or changes in appetite and sleep.
Dementia - A progressive decline in memory and cognition, often misinterpreted as forgetfulness. India has over 5 million dementia patients, projected to double by 2050.
Anxiety & Sleep Disorders - Worries about health, finances, or safety cause insomnia, irritability, or constant tension.
Substance Use - Some elderly turn to alcohol or sedatives to cope, worsening mental health.
Psychosomatic Disorders - Emotional pain often manifests physically - headaches, fatigue, or chronic pain without clear medical cause.

Cultural & Social Roots of the Crisis

India’s traditional joint family system once offered emotional security. But with urbanization and migration, many elders now live alone or in old-age homes. The HelpAge India (2024) survey found that 47% of elderly Indians feel neglected by their families, and 36% experience loneliness regularly.

Moreover, stigma remains strong - elders hesitate to discuss “mental illness” for fear of being labeled weak or burdensome.

Health System Challenges

Despite national programs like NPHCE, access to geriatric psychiatry or counseling is still limited. Less than 10% of primary healthcare centers have a trained mental health professional.

However, initiatives like Tele-MANAS (2023) - India’s national mental health helpline (14416) - are bridging the gap by providing free counseling and referral support through phone and telemedicine.

Steps Toward Better Elderly Mental Health

Regular Screening: Routine depression and cognitive checks during health visits.
Community Programs: Local NGOs, senior clubs, and faith groups can provide social support.
Family Awareness: Encourage open dialogue, empathy, and daily engagement.
Physical Activity: Even gentle yoga or morning walks improve mood and sleep.
Digital Inclusion: Teach seniors to use smartphones for connecting with family or online therapy platforms.

The Role of Platforms Like SecondMedic

SecondMedic integrates mental wellness and teleconsultation for senior citizens - offering easy video counseling, medication delivery, and home diagnostics. Elderly patients can book sessions without traveling long distances or waiting in clinics, ensuring comfort and privacy.

Conclusion

Mental health in India’s elderly isn’t just a medical issue - it’s a social one. Aging should bring peace, not isolation. Recognizing emotional distress, breaking stigma, and encouraging conversation can transform how we care for our elders.

A healthy heart and body mean little without a healthy mind. Let’s make sure our elders live with dignity, purpose, and connection.

Help your loved ones find care from the comfort of home - Book an online mental wellness consultation on SecondMedic today ? https://www.secondmedic.com

Real Data, Surveys & Links

National Mental Health Survey (NIMHANS, 2023): 15–20% elderly with mental disorders.
nimhans.ac.in
HelpAge India Report 2024: 47% of elders feel neglected by families.
helpageindia.org
National Programme for Health Care of the Elderly (NPHCE): Govt. initiative for senior health.
nhp.gov.in
Tele-MANAS Helpline (MoHFW, 2023): 14416 - free national mental health line.
mohfw.gov.in

Dementia India Report (AIIMS & ARDSI, 2024): 5.3 million affected, projected to double by 2050.
ardsi.org

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