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

Can Fatty Liver Be Reversed Completely?

Fatty liver disease is one of the most common health concerns today, affecting both young and older adults. The good news? Fatty liver can be reversed completely—especially if caught early and treated with care.

In this blog, let’s explore what fatty liver means, its causes, symptoms, and—most importantly—how to reverse it naturally.

What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver occurs when too much fat builds up in your liver cells. There are two main types:

NAFLD (Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): Common in people who are overweight or diabetic.
AFLD (Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease): Caused by heavy alcohol consumption.

When left untreated, both types can lead to inflammation, scarring (fibrosis), cirrhosis, and even liver failure.

Symptoms of Fatty Liver

In most cases, fatty liver is silent. People may not show any symptoms until it becomes severe. When symptoms do appear, they may include:

Tiredness or fatigue
Discomfort in the upper right side of the abdomen
Unexplained weight gain
Elevated liver enzymes (found in blood tests)

Can It Be Reversed?

Yes. In the early stages, fatty liver is completely reversible—especially if the liver hasn’t been scarred yet.

The main goal is to reduce fat buildup in the liver and prevent inflammation. And this doesn’t usually need medicine—it just needs you to make healthy changes.

How to Reverse Fatty Liver Naturally

1. Adopt a Liver-Friendly Diet

Cut out:

Sugar (especially in juices, soda, and desserts)
Refined carbs like white rice, white bread
Fried and oily foods
Processed snacks

Add:

Green leafy vegetables (spinach, kale)
Fruits like berries, apples
Fatty fish (rich in omega-3) like salmon
Olive oil and nuts
Whole grains and legumes

2. Lose Excess Weight

Weight loss of even 5%–10% of your current body weight can drastically improve liver health and reduce liver fat.

3. Exercise Regularly

Aim for at least 30 minutes of brisk walking, swimming, or cycling 5 days a week. Strength training also helps improve metabolism and insulin sensitivity.

4. Control Blood Sugar & Cholesterol

Fatty liver often exists alongside diabetes and high cholesterol. Keep your sugar and cholesterol levels in check with proper diet and medications (if prescribed).

5. Quit Alcohol (if applicable)

Even small amounts of alcohol can worsen fatty liver. If you're dealing with NAFLD or AFLD, quitting alcohol is critical.

6. Avoid Unnecessary Medications

Certain over-the-counter painkillers (like paracetamol) or herbal supplements may stress your liver. Take them only if prescribed by your doctor.

What Tests Help Track Progress?

After starting your lifestyle changes, your doctor may recommend:

Liver Function Tests (LFT)
Ultrasound or FibroScan
Lipid Profile
HbA1c (for sugar control)
Vitamin D or B12 if fatigue is an issue

You can book these through trusted platforms like SecondMedic.com, with home collection via Thyrocare labs.

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if:

You’re overweight or diabetic
You feel tired most days
You have elevated liver enzymes
You drink alcohol regularly
You’ve had abnormal ultrasound reports

Early detection is the key. It’s easier to reverse fatty liver than to treat cirrhosis.

Conclusion

Fatty liver might sound scary—but in many cases, it’s completely reversible. The trick is to act early, stay consistent with healthy habits, and monitor your progress through tests.

So, can fatty liver be reversed completely? Yes, it can—with the right lifestyle, dedication, and awareness.

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