Various blood markers of inflammation have been found to be useful in assessing cardiovascular risk, or as prognostic tools in patients with acute coronary syndromes. The unique properties of C-reactive protein (CRP) have allowed it to become used in clinical practice.

CRP is a stable protein and can be measured with the high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) assay which detects levels of CRP that fall within the range used for assessing cardiovascular risk. Dr. Rifai describes studies comparing the performance of various hs-CRP methods in terms of sensitivity, reproducibility and consistency.

hs-CRP levels do not appear to depend on age, gender or race. They add prognostic information to that obtained from cholesterol testing, allowing for the identification of patients at an intermediate level of risk for future cardiovascular events, who would be missed on the basis of cholesterol screening alone.

Although CRP is an acute phase reactant, in the absence of active infection or inflammation it is biologically stable. CRP may be measured without prior fasting and also at any time of the day, as it does not exhibit a circadian rhythm.

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After viewing this presentation the participant will be able to discuss:

- Analytical issues of various blood markers of inflammation
- Analytical requirements of CRP assays
- hs-CRP distribution among adults
- The interpretation of hs-CRP results
- Practical considerations in hs-CRP testing

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