Is there a rapid CRP test? | CRP value

Is there a rapid CRP test?

In order to be able to distinguish between bacterial and viral infection, there is a rapid test that determines the CRP value. The CRP is determined approximately by a prick in the fingertip (similar to the blood sugar test that diabetics regularly carry out). It takes about 2 minutes to obtain the result.

What is the significance of CRP values in children?

Shortly after birth, the CRP value is not really meaningful because it increases too slowly in newborns. The inflammation or infection is therefore much more advanced than the CRP value indicates. The same applies to premature babies. In older babies a CRP of up to 15 mg/l is considered normal. In children, the CRP value reacts in the same way as in adults and is within the normal range up to 10 mg/l.

How can I lower the CRP?

The CRP level drops when the inflammatory reaction subsides. In bacterial infections, antibiotics effectively help to stop the infection and thus the inflammation. As a result, the CRP value can drop very quickly.

There is not much that can be actively done to lower the CRP value. It is advisable to stop smoking, as smokers can be expected to have higher CRP values than the non-smoking population. Furthermore, an increased CRP is probably also associated with the so-called metabolic syndrome.

A normalisation of body weight and a normalisation of fat levels in the blood, which is achieved through a healthy diet and moderate physical activity, can thus most likely also contribute to a normalisation of CRP levels. A high level of physical activity can temporarily increase CRP levels. But this is not unhealthy per se.

However, if you are currently undergoing an infection and are being treated, a little bed rest and rest is recommended for recovery. Immunosuppressive drugs such as glucocorticoids (e.g. cortisone) also lower the CRP value. They are administered, for example, in the acute phase of rheumatic inflammation.