Lab test
What is an hs-CRP test, and what do the risk categories mean?
A high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) test detects small rises in CRP, a protein the liver makes during inflammation, and is used to estimate heart disease risk. ARUP Laboratories groups results as low risk below 1.0 mg/L, average risk from 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L and high risk above 3.0 mg/L.
What does the hs-CRP test measure?
The liver makes C-reactive protein in response to inflammation. A standard CRP test measures how much inflammation is present. MedlinePlus
An hs-CRP test measures very small increases in CRP and is used to estimate the risk of heart disease. MedlinePlus
Why is the hs-CRP test ordered?
- To help estimate cardiovascular risk; ARUP notes that people with higher hs-CRP are more likely to develop stroke, heart attack and severe peripheral vascular disease. ARUP Laboratories
What are typical hs-CRP ranges?
ARUP Laboratories assigns hs-CRP results to three risk groups. ARUP Laboratories
Reference ranges differ between laboratories and testing methods, and many also differ by age, sex, pregnancy or the phase of the menstrual cycle. The range printed on your own report is the one that applies to your result, and a clinician interprets it alongside your history.
| Risk group | hs-CRP |
|---|---|
| Low risk | Less than 1.0 mg/L |
| Average risk | 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L |
| High risk | Greater than 3.0 mg/L |
If a first result is above 3.0 mg/L, ARUP recommends repeating the test at least 2 weeks later, free of infection or acute illness, and using the lower of the two results. ARUP Laboratories
What can affect hs-CRP results?
- CRP is a nonspecific marker: infection and many other inflammatory conditions besides atherosclerosis can raise it. ARUP Laboratories
- Insomnia, depression, menopausal hormone therapy and obesity have been linked to higher CRP, and females often run slightly higher than males. MedlinePlus
- Some medicines and supplements, including NSAIDs such as ibuprofen and aspirin, may affect results. MedlinePlus
When should you talk to a clinician about a hs-CRP result?
- An hs-CRP result is read with cholesterol and other risk factors; a single high value during a cold or injury is not a fair reading, which is why repeat testing is advised. ARUP Laboratories
DiscoverMedica explains what a test measures and what named sources publish. It does not interpret individual results; the clinician who ordered your test, or one you choose, does.
Where can you get a hs-CRP test?
A clinician can order it as part of routine or follow-up care. Some services also let you order lab tests yourself; check that a service’s panel includes this marker, which laboratory runs it, and who reviews the result with you.
- Function HealthAnnual membership for broad lab panels, drawn at Quest sites or at home.
- Quest HealthOrder individual lab tests from Quest Diagnostics online, without a doctor’s visit.
hs-CRP Test: questions, answered
What is a normal hs-CRP level?
ARUP Laboratories groups hs-CRP below 1.0 mg/L as low risk, 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L as average risk and above 3.0 mg/L as high risk, with a reference interval of 3.0 mg/L or less. Other labs may print slightly different categories, so use your own report.
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
Both measure C-reactive protein. MedlinePlus explains that a standard CRP test looks for inflammation from infection or disease, while an hs-CRP test detects very small increases and is used to estimate heart disease risk. A single result is read together with cholesterol and other risk factors, and repeated if an infection or illness may have raised it.
Can a cold raise hs-CRP?
Yes. CRP rises with infection and other inflammation, so ARUP recommends repeating a result above 3.0 mg/L at least 2 weeks later, when you are free of infection or acute illness, and using the lower value. MedlinePlus describes a standard CRP of 0.8 to 1.0 mg/dL or lower as a healthy amount, while ARUP reports hs-CRP in mg/L.
Sources
- MedlinePlus: C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test
- ARUP Laboratories: C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (test 0050182)
Last reviewed October 7, 2026. Every source above was checked on or before that date. Educational information only, not medical advice; it does not replace a conversation with a licensed clinician. DiscoverMedica does not employ clinicians.