C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP), Serum/Plasma

Laboratory and experimental evidence indicate that atherosclerosis, in addition to being a disease of lipid accumulation also represents a chronic inflammatory process that evolves as a result of a combination of biochemical, physical, and possibly infectious processes. The clinical utility of standard CRP assay in the evaluation for vascular risk detection is extremely limited due to the lack of sensitivity needed to determine levels of inflammation within normal range. The availability of high sensitivity CRP determination has made it possible to utilise CRP in the diagnosis & management of vascular disease. See also C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum

CRP concentrations are increased many years in advance of first coronary and cerebrovascular events in healthy and high-risk individuals. Plasma levels of CRP are a strong independent predictor of risk of future myocardial infarction, stroke, peripheral arterial disease, and vascular death among individuals without known cardiovascular disease. In addition, among patients with acute coronary ischemia, a stable angina pectoris, and a history of myocardial infarction, higher levels of CRP have been associated with increased vascular event rates.

1 ml Serum 1 ml K2-EDTA or Li-Heparin Plasma Stability: 11 Days at 15-25 °C 2 Months at 2-8 °C 3 Years at (-15)-(-25) °C

Inflammation Marker: < 5.0 mg/L Low CVD Risk: <1.0 mg/L Moderate CVD Risk: 1.0 - 3.0 mg/L High CVD Risk: > 3.0 mg/L