CRP is a nonspecific acute phase reactant used as an indicator of infectious disease, stress, inflammatory states, trauma and surgery.

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Immediately following collection, mix sample thoroughly by gently inverting 8 - 10, times to prevent clotting

Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

Lt green plasma separator (PST)

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

Lavender (EDTA), 4mL

Immediately following collection, thoroughly mix sample by gently inverting 5 times

Gold:

1. Allow sample to clot for a minimum of 30 minutes
2. Spin within two (2) hours of sample collection

EDTA:

1. Spin
2. Transfer plasma to a False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL), labelled as EDTA plasma

Gold serum separator (SST) tube

False bottom plasma/serum transport vial/tube (AHL)

(Li hep) plasma/serum:

Refrigerated (preferred) - 3 weeks

Ambient - 2 weeks

Frozen - 1 year

EDTA plasma:

Refrigerated (preferred) - 3 weeks

Ambient - 1 day

Frozen - 1 year

• Improper labels (unlabeled or mislabeled)
• Hemolysis (some procedures)
• Improper anticoagulant or ratio
• Delay in transport
• Improper storage temperature affecting results
• Improper container
• Leaking container resulting in compromised specimen
• Quantity not sufficient (QNS)

Particle‑enhanced immunoturbidimetric assay

<0.50 mg/dL

Progressive increases correlate with increases of inflammation/injury. CRP is a more sensitive and rapidly responding indicator than ESR. CRP may be used to detect early post-operative wound infections and neonatal infections. It may also be used to follow therapeutic response to anti-inflammatory agents. In addition, it may be helpful in evaluating extension or reinfarction after myocardial infarction. CRP can also be useful to differentiate between Crohn's disease (high CRP) from ulcerative colitis (low CRP), and rheumatoid arthritis (high CRP) from uncomplicated lupus (low CRP).