- What is CRP?
- C-reactive protein (CRP) is produced by the liver in response to acute inflammation.
- It rises quickly, often within hours, making it useful for detecting acute infections, injuries, or heart disease.
- CRP is a more specific indicator of inflammation and is often used to monitor conditions like sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis, and cardiovascular events.
- What is ESR?
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over one hour.
- It reflects chronic inflammation and is slower to rise than CRP.
- ESR is commonly used to monitor autoimmune diseases like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis, and to track long-term inflammation.
- Differences between CRP and ESR:
- CRP is faster: CRP levels rise within hours of inflammation and drop quickly once the condition improves.
- ESR reflects long-term: ESR levels take longer to change and provide a broader view of inflammation over time.
- CRP is more specific: CRP is more precise in identifying acute conditions, while ESR is less specific and can be influenced by factors like age and anemia.
- When to Use Each Test:
- CRP is preferred for acute infections, heart attacks, or sudden inflammatory responses.
- ESR is often used for monitoring chronic conditions and long-term inflammation, such as in autoimmune disorders.
Recommended Tests
- High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP): This is a more refined version of the CRP test, useful for detecting low levels of inflammation, often linked to cardiovascular disease risk.
- Complete Blood Count (CBC): A CBC can be used alongside ESR to assess overall blood health and detect conditions like anemia, which can influence ESR results.
