A normal CRP (C-reactive protein) level

A normal level of C-reactive protein (CRP) in the blood in the UK is less than 5 mg/L. 

What is CRP?

  • CRP is a protein made by the liver that indicates inflammation
  • CRP levels rise within hours of tissue injury, infection, or inflammation
  • CRP levels can be used to monitor the activity of diseases like infections, autoimmune disease, and cancer.

What can cause high CRP levels? 

  • Infections, including sepsis, or most bacterial, viral, and fungal infections
  • Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and ulcerative colitis (UC)
  • Cancer
  • Cardiovascular disease, like a myocardial infarction (heart attack)
  • Major trauma.

Note. Strangley, CRP can be low in active lupus (SLE).