A C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures the level of CRP in your blood. CRP is a protein produced by your liver in response to inflammation. The test is commonly used for several reasons:

1. Detecting Inflammation: High levels of CRP indicate inflammation in the body, which can be caused by a variety of conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

2. Monitoring Chronic Conditions: For people with chronic inflammatory conditions, regular CRP tests can help monitor the effectiveness of treatments and the progression of the disease.

3. Assessing Risk of Heart Disease: Elevated CRP levels have been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test is specifically used to evaluate the risk of cardiovascular disease by detecting lower levels of CRP.

4. Post-Surgical Monitoring: After surgery, a CRP test can help detect complications such as infections or other inflammatory responses.

5. Evaluating Treatment Effectiveness: In people undergoing treatment for infections or inflammatory conditions, CRP levels can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment.

By identifying the presence and extent of inflammation, the CRP test provides valuable information that can guide diagnosis, treatment, and management of various health conditions.