C-Reactive Protein Test

A C-Reactive Protein test is one of the most reliable ways to measure inflammation in your body. This simple blood test can reveal whether your immune system is working overtime, which may indicate anything from a recent infection to chronic low-grade inflammation. At Evergreen Doctors, we view this test as a valuable starting point for understanding why you may be feeling fatigued, sore, or generally unwell.

Inflammation is part of the body’s natural healing process, but if it continues for too long it can contribute to long-term health issues. Many patients who come to us for preventative care or symptom investigation begin with a C-Reactive Protein blood test as part of a broader health assessment.

What Is a C-Reactive Protein Test?

A C-Reactive Protein test measures the level of CRP, a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation. When your body detects injury, infection, or stress, CRP levels rise quickly. If your levels remain high after the initial trigger has passed, it may signal an underlying problem that requires attention.

This test is widely used in Australia and can be ordered by your GP, a functional medicine doctor, or through a longevity doctor in Sydney as part of a wellness and prevention plan. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) testing can detect subtle inflammation that may be affecting your heart health or metabolism before any symptoms appear.

Why C-Reactive Protein Testing Is Important

Elevated CRP levels have been linked to a variety of health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, infections, and metabolic syndrome. Chronic inflammation can contribute to fatigue, joint pain, poor gut health, and even mood changes.

Patients working with a gut health specialist in Sydney often benefit from this test to assess whether digestive issues like IBS are actually IBD and contributing to systemic inflammation. Because CRP reflects overall inflammatory activity, it provides a clear indication of the extent to which the immune system is under stress.

CRP testing is also useful for tracking progress. If you have started a new nutrition plan or treatment, such as an IBS treatment Sydney program, re-testing after several months can help confirm that inflammation is being reduced.

How the special HsC-Reactive Protein Blood Test Works

A High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein blood test is straightforward and quick. A small sample of blood is taken from your arm and sent to a pathology lab. Results are usually available within one or two days.

Your report will show your CRP level measured in mg/L.

• Levels under 1 mg/L are considered low and suggest minimal inflammation.

• Levels between 1 and 3 mg/L indicate a moderate risk of inflammation-related issues.

• Levels above 3 mg/L may require further investigation to determine the cause.

Your doctor will interpret your results in conjunction with your symptoms, medical history, and other relevant tests, such as apolipoprotein B testing for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Functional Medicine Approach to CRP

Traditional care may stop at lowering CRP levels, but at Evergreen Doctor, we look deeper. Our functional medicine approach aims to identify the root cause of inflammation rather than just suppressing the symptom.

We examine factors such as dietary quality, gut health, stress response, sleep patterns, and environmental triggers. For some people, elevated CRP is linked to nutrient deficiencies or lifestyle factors, while for others it may be caused by chronic infection, autoimmunity, or hormonal imbalance. Your treatment plan is tailored to your individual findings.

Next Steps After Testing

If your CRP is elevated, we may recommend further investigations to pinpoint the cause. This could include further blood testing, stool analysis, imaging, swabs or nutrient testing. Your personalised plan may include:

• Restoring balance to the gut microbiome

• Supporting liver detoxification pathways

• Adding anti-inflammatory foods to your diet

• Improving sleep and reducing stress through lifestyle changes

For those focused on long-term health, we use C-Reactive Protein test in Australia alongside other biomarkers to monitor ongoing progress.

By combining C-Reactive Protein testing with a comprehensive assessment, Evergreen Doctors helps you uncover the true cause of inflammation and create a plan to reduce it. 

Book an appointment today to take a proactive step toward better health.

Frequently Asked Questions