CRP readings

[sandrathecat]

Does anyone know what is considered a normal reading for the CRP blood test. My ESR has gone up to 25 and my CRP is 6.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

It’s a bit difficult to say precisely, as it’s not one of those things like blood pressure or blood sugars that are tested on a regular basis in normal healthy people.

The advice seems to vary. Some sites say below 6, others say below 3. Plus they do also say they vary from lab to lab.

The best advice really is to check if they are rising, a one off test won’t tell you that, so it’s needs to be repeated before action is taken.

In respect of ESR then the low 20s for our age group, women usually slightly higher than men.

But you must remember that when you are on Pred, that is keeping your levels down artificially.

So as I said, watch the trend - I used to get mine tested on a monthly basis early days - just for my info really.

[sandrathecat in reply to DorsetLady]

Thanks for that. Info on the internet seems to vary so I wasn't sure what was what. Just getting a few notes together for my first rheumatologist appointment. I want to make sure I am armed with all the facts!

[PMRpro Ambassador]

The local lab range should be in brackets after the result - there can be a factor of 10 difference depending on the units. But generally it should be very low.

You say the ESR has gone up - has the CRP also gone up? And what from? A rising trend suggests increasing inflammation although they can also both rise with a chest infection or muscle damage in trauma.

DL mentions the pred may be keeping them down artificially - but the lowest figure you can achieve with pred is arguably YOUR normal. The normal range doctors quote is the range of levels you would find in a large population of healthy people, 10,000 is the usual sample. Some may have a level in low single figures, some a level of over 20 - but each is their own personal normal.

[sandrathecat in reply to PMRpro]

Last three months ESR 8 then 12 then 25. Last three months CRP 1 then 3 then 6. I think the GP has been trying to bring my pred dose down too quickly

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to sandrathecat]

That is classical evidence that your dose is too low and your GP doesn't understand the use of blood markers and the concept of "normal range". Those figures show the level of inflammation in your body is rising. YOUR personal normal ESR should be in the region of 8, maybe a bit lower but not higher. It is rising steadily, you are not on enough pred to manage the inflammation being created each morning.

I don't know how you can explain that to someone who obviously doesn't "get" it. Is there another GP in the practice you can try?

[sandrathecat in reply to PMRpro]

I am going to see the rheumy on Wednesday and then I shall make an appointment with another doc in the practice. Thanks for advice.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to sandrathecat]

Point it out to the rheumy - as he is the supposed expert. And he can point out the anomally to the GP (maybe)...

[Robinsnest72]

ESR should read 0-29 and CRP 0-10 these were given to me by the doctor

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Robinsnest72]

For your lab - they do vary slightly depending on the technique used.

[sandrathecat in reply to Robinsnest72]

Thanks very much for that advice. Best wishes to you.