Test Name: HIGH SENSITIVITY C-REACTIVE PROTEIN (CHL)
Test Code: 2193842
Alias: C121
Cardio CRP
CHL
LAB11608
CPT Code(s): 86141  
Preferred Specimen: 1.0 mL serum
Container: SST
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL serum
Collection Instructions: Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.  Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.  Allow blood to clot 30 minutes. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.
Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Stability:

Room temperature: 7 days

Refrigerated: 7 days

Frozen: 90 days
Rejection Criteria: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits
Additional Information: In very rare cases gammopathy, particularly of the monoclonal IgM type (e.g., Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.  Samples containing high levels of Rheumatoid Factors may cause artificially low results.
Schedule: Report Available: 2-5 days
Method: Immunoturbidimetric
Performing Lab: Cleveland HeartLab (CHL); #C121
Clinical Significance: Useful in predicting risk of cardiovascular disease.
Use: Updated: 10/03/2025
Reference Ranges:

Relative Risk Ranges (All ages):

Low Risk:                     <1.0 mg/L
Moderate Risk:             1.0-3.0 mg/L
High Risk:                     >3.0 mg/L

hs-CRP values above the upper limit (10.0 mg/L) will be reported as >10.0 mg/L. Follow-up testing is recommended to help rule out recent response to infection or tissue injury. Persistent elevations above 10.0 mg/L should be evaluated for noncardiovascular etiologies.

Guideline considerations (Ages >17 years):

Hs-CRP (mg/L)                          Risk According to AHA/CDC Guidelines

<1.0                                         Lower relative cardiovascular risk

1.0-3.0                                     Average relative cardiovascular risk

3.1-10.0                                   Higher relative cardiovascular risk. 
  Consider retesting in 1-2 weeks to exclude a benign transient elevation in the baseline   CRP value secondary to infection or inflammation.

>10.0                                       Persistent elevation, upon retesting, may be associated with infection and inflammation.

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The CPT codes included in this publication are in accordance with Current Procedural Terminology, a publication of the American Medical Association. CPT codes are provided here for the convenience of our clients; however, correct coding often varies from one carrier to another, and HealthLab may bill specific carriers using codes other than those shown. Clients who bill for services should verify the code(s) with the applicable payor to confirm that their use is appropriate in each case.
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