An acute-phase protein produced by the liver that rises rapidly during inflammation or infection. CRP levels help diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions and assess cardiovascular risk.
Named in 1930 for its ability to react with (precipitate) the C-polysaccharide of pneumococcus bacteria. The 'C' refers to this specific carbohydrate component, not vitamin C or any other meaning.
CRP can skyrocket from normal to 1000 times higher in just 6 hours during severe inflammation - it's like your liver's emergency flare gun! Even minor infections can boost CRP levels, making it one of the most sensitive markers that 'something inflammatory is happening' in your body.
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