Home
HelpTest Code CRP C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Serum or Plasma
Additional Codes
| Epic Order Code: | LAB149 |
| Sunquest Order Code: | CRP |
Specimen Required
| Container Type: |
Optimal: Inpatient: Mint STAT: Mint Outpatient: Gold Acceptable: Red Top or Green Lithium Heparin.
|
| Optimal Collection Volume: |
A full tube is optimal for all blood draws. Not only does it give the correct ratio of anticoagulant or clot activator to blood, a full tube allows for efficient automated testing and provides residual sample for any repeat, add on or reflex tests. Please note: In most cases, multiple test orders requiring the same tube type may be combined in one tube. Do not draw a separate tube for each test. For exceptions where a test has a larger sample volume requirement, it will be noted in this section.
The approximate volume of blood needed for this test is 1.0 mL of blood (0.5 ml of serum or plasma). |
| Collection Instructions: |
Gently invert sample 5-6 times after collection. |
| Processing Instructions: |
1. Allow serum sample to clot for 30 minutes. 2. Centrifuge specimen within 2 hours of collection. 3. Specimen tubes without a gel barrier should have the serum or plasma aliquoted to a false bottom container after centrifugation. 4. Keep serum/plasma refrigerated until testing can be performed. |
Useful For
This assay is useful in the detection of various systemic inflammatory processes.
Method Name
Spectrophotometric Immunoassay
Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum* | Refrigerated | 2 months |
| Ambient | 11 days | |
| Frozen | 3 years |
*Note: Heparinized plasma in gel separator tubes is less stable than serum and is only suitable for add-on testing up to 2 days following sample collection.
Rejection Due To
| Hemolysis | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Lipemia | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Icterus | Mild OK; Moderate OK; Gross Reject |
| Other | N/A |
Post Processing Specimen Type
Preferred: Serum
Alternate: Plasma
Specimen Minimum Volume
Collecting minimum volumes can result in a need for sample recollection, and/or a delay in results. Minimum volumes are subjective and cannot account for all aspects of specimen and testing needs. Refer to the Specimen Required section for optimal volumes for laboratory specimens. Contact the Bronson Laboratory if complex collection exceptions occur that require more information.
| Minimum Volume: | 0.5 mL whole blood, 0.25 mL serum or plasma |
| Neonate Volume: | 1 microtainer (400-600 uL) |
Performing Laboratory
Bronson Laboratory, Chemistry - Kalamazoo, Paw Paw, Battle Creek, South Haven
Day(s) Performed
24/7
Reference Values
| Test ID | Reference Range | Units |
|---|---|---|
| CRP | < 6.0 | mg/L |
LOINC Code Information
1988-5
CPT Code Information
86140
Sample Retention Time
7 days