What’s the Difference Between CRP and hs-CRP?
Hello, Sahabat Pramita! Have you ever come across the terms CRP and hs-CRP in lab tests? These tests often appear in health assessments, especially those related to inflammation or internal body conditions. But what exactly is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP? Let’s break it down in a simple and informative way!

What is CRP?
CRP, or C-Reactive Protein, is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. When there is an infection or injury, CRP levels in the blood increase. CRP tests are commonly used to detect inflammatory conditions such as arthritis, infections, or autoimmune diseases.

According to the Journal of Clinical Pathology, an increase in CRP levels can indicate acute inflammation in the body. This is why CRP testing is often used to monitor diseases that cause inflammation.

What is hs-CRP?
Unlike regular CRP tests, high-sensitivity CRP or hs-CRP is a more sensitive version of the CRP test. The hs-CRP test can detect lower levels of C-reactive protein in the blood compared to regular CRP tests. This test is particularly useful for predicting cardiovascular diseases, such as heart attacks or strokes.

Research published in the New England Journal of Medicine shows that the hs-CRP test can help identify the risk of heart attacks in individuals who may not yet show clinical symptoms. Therefore, hs-CRP is often recommended for those who want a more detailed look at their heart health.

What’s the Difference Between CRP and hs-CRP?
In simple terms, the main difference between CRP and hs-CRP is their sensitivity in detecting inflammation. CRP is typically used to detect acute inflammation caused by infections or injuries, while hs-CRP is more sensitive and is often used to predict the risk of heart disease.

CRP: Used to detect general inflammation in the body, such as infections or arthritis.
hs-CRP: Used to detect low-level inflammation that could increase the risk of heart disease.

The Importance of Understanding These Tests
CRP and hs-CRP tests are very helpful in monitoring your body’s health, especially in identifying whether inflammation or heart disease risk is present. With the right tests, Sahabat Pramita can take better preventive measures to stay healthy.