CRP (C-reactive protein) is a protein the liver releases within hours of inflammation, infection or tissue damage. Because it goes up and comes down quickly, it is the go-to blood test for tracking flares of rheumatoid, psoriatic or axial spondyloarthritis, and for spotting infections in someone on immunosuppression. A normal CRP does not rule out arthritis — some inflammatory conditions barely raise it — so clinicians read it alongside ESR, symptoms and imaging.
What is crp?
CRP: CRP is a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation. Rises faster than ESR (hours vs days) and drops more quickly when inflammation resolves. Used to monitor flares and treatment response in inflammatory arthritis.
Last updated 2026-07-04. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.