Intermediate
Technical
In the Industry Vocabulary Test
C-reactive protein
Also written as: CRP — C-reactive protein
Inflammatory marker commonly elevated in bacterial infections and used to guide antibiotic therapy.
Full Definition
C-reactive protein is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammation or infection. In pediatric infectious diseases, CRP levels help differentiate bacterial from viral infections and monitor treatment response. Normal values are typically less than 3 mg/L, with levels above 40-50 mg/L suggesting bacterial infection. CRP levels rise within 6-12 hours of infection onset and have a half-life of 19 hours, making it useful for monitoring treatment response.
Usage
Usage note: Hyphenate when used as a compound modifier; commonly abbreviated as CRP in clinical contexts.
In Context
- "The elevated C-reactive protein level supported the diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia." — Laboratory interpretation
- "C-reactive protein decreased appropriately following 48 hours of antibiotic therapy." — Progress note
Also known as
CRP
Don't confuse with
erythrocyte sedimentation rate
procalcitonin