Regular CRP
Regular CRP test is mainly used to detect acute inflammatory conditions, such as infections, injuries or diseases that can cause inflammation. The result of a regular CRP test is measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
High-sensitivity CRP
A high-sensitivity CRP test is more precise than a standard CRP test and can detect much lower levels of the protein in the blood. While a standard CRP test typically has a lower detection limit of around 5 mg/L, a high-sensitivity CRP test can measure levels as low as approximately 0.16 mg/L. It is primarily used as a marker to assess "silent" inflammation in the blood vessel walls, which can indicate a risk of cardiovascular disease. Both tests are measured in milligrams per liter (mg/L).
So, the difference between high-sensitivity CRP and regular CRP lies in their sensitivity and use. Regular CRP is mainly used to detect acute inflammation, while high-sensitivity CRP is more useful for assessing the risk of cardiovascular disease.