The liver makes C-reactive protein (CRP) and according to the NVKC releases it into the bloodstream, where the amount rises sharply within 6 to 8 hours in an inflammation. According to the NVKC, CRP thus works as a general signal substance for inflammation.
According to the NVKC, a raised amount of CRP in the blood can point to an acute inflammation, but the test is not specific enough to show the cause. Whether CRP is raised only shows in a blood test.
At Star-SHL, the reference value of CRP lies between 0 and 10 mg/l.
Doctor's Assessment Included
CRP is a protein made by the liver that rises sharply in the blood within 6 to 8 hours of the start of an inflammation. The upper limit differs by laboratory: 5 mg/l at Unilabs and Certe, 6 at Diagnostiek voor U and 10 at Star-SHL.
Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
Check your own valueThe upper limit runs from 5 mg/l at Unilabs to 10 mg/l at Star-shl.
| Laboratory | Group | Reference value (mg/l) | Relative scale |
|---|---|---|---|
| Star-shl | · Everyone | 0–10 mg/l |
0 10
|
| Unilabs | · Everyone | 0–5 mg/l |
0 5
|
| Certe | · Everyone · 18 years and older · a limit, not a range | < 5 mg/L |
5
|
| Diagnostiek voor U | · Everyone · a limit, not a range | < 6 mg/L |
6
|
Source: Star-shl
Source: Unilabs
Source: Certe
Source: Diagnostiek voor U
Each value as the laboratory itself publishes it, retrieved in 2026.
In milligrams per litre (mg/l), the CRP test shows how much C-reactive protein is in the blood, and according to the NVKC that amount can climb up to a factor of 1000 in an inflammation.
According to a 2003 review, the baseline CRP, the CRP value without inflammation, is significantly higher with use of the contraceptive pill and of hormone therapy as tablets after menopause, without any sign of tissue-damaging inflammation. According to that review, hormone therapy through the skin after menopause was not associated with a significantly higher baseline CRP.
Been ill? Wait a little
RequiredHad a fever, an infection or a vaccination in the past 2 weeks? Wait with the draw until you are fully recovered. These values react to inflammation and would give a distorted picture.
Better no hard training beforehand
RecommendedHard exercise in the 48 hours before can raise this value temporarily. Plan the draw on a rest day if you can.
According to the NVKC, a CRP test is used to gain more insight into inflammatory diseases, for example in some forms of rheumatism or autoimmune diseases.
A low CRP is normal at Star-SHL, because Star-SHL gives 0 mg/l as the lower limit, and according to the NVKC the CRP value in healthy people without inflammation is usually below 10 mg/l.
According to a 2003 review, rheumatoid arthritis and haemodialysis for end-stage kidney failure are chronic inflammatory conditions in which some patients have a persistently raised CRP.
Liver failure
The liver makes CRP, and in liver failure less CRP is produced.
Statins
Statins, cholesterol-lowering medicines, lower CRP, separately from their effect on cholesterol.
Infection or acute inflammation
A raised or rising CRP can point to acute inflammation or infection.
Dead tissue
Dead tissue is a strong trigger for CRP; a heart attack is followed by a large CRP response.
Chronic inflammatory disease
In some people with a chronic inflammatory disease such as rheumatoid arthritis, CRP stays raised; lupus (SLE), an autoimmune disease, does not cause a large CRP rise despite clear inflammation.
Overweight
A higher BMI goes with a higher baseline CRP, the CRP value without inflammation, and weight loss lowers it.
The pill and hormone tablets
The contraceptive pill and hormone therapy taken as tablets after menopause go with a higher CRP without inflammation; hormone therapy through the skin does not.
Discuss a raised CRP with your GP; anyone using the pill or hormone therapy as tablets after menopause can mention it, because according to a 2003 review these go together with a higher baseline CRP.
No, according to a 2003 review, hormone therapy through the skin after menopause is not associated with a significantly higher baseline CRP, while hormone therapy as tablets after menopause is.
No, according to a 2003 review, lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) does not cause a large CRP rise despite clear inflammation and tissue damage.
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Dr. Naimi oversees the medical standards behind our content and assessments.
Medical policyDoctor's Assessment Included
Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
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