CRP blood test

Private CRP blood test (hs-CRP)

High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) is a marker of inflammation that supports cardiovascular risk awareness and broader health screening. Included in our Optimal Health Check and Cancer Marker checks at our Kingston and Crawley clinics, with no fasting required.

No GP referral needed — book directly online

What it checks

What does a CRP blood test check?

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a marker of inflammation. Our packages use a high-sensitivity version — hs-CRP — which can measure lower levels of inflammation than a standard CRP test. This makes it useful for cardiovascular risk awareness when interpreted in context, although levels can also rise with infection, injury or recent intense exercise.

hs-CRP is included in our Optimal Health Check and our Men’s and Women’s Cancer Marker Health Checks. It is not currently included in our Essential or Advanced Health Checks.

  • High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP)

Which packages include it

hs-CRP testing in our packages

Three of our five packages include hs-CRP. It is not included in our Essential or Advanced Health Checks.

Optimal

£189

Includes hs-CRP alongside thyroid function, full lipid profile, full blood count and our most comprehensive standard health check.

Men’s Cancer Marker Check

£249

Includes hs-CRP alongside PSA prostate testing, FIT bowel screening and a 47-marker panel.

Women’s Cancer Marker Check

£249

Includes hs-CRP alongside CA125 testing, FIT bowel screening and a 47-marker panel.

Single blood tests start from £99, with some specialist tests priced higher. For better value, many patients choose a health check package instead, which includes a broader blood panel, on-the-day checks and a clearer picture of their results.

What results may indicate

Understanding hs-CRP results

hs-CRP is a non-specific marker of inflammation. Results need careful interpretation in context, since many short-term factors can affect levels.

What CRP measures

CRP (C-reactive protein) is a marker of inflammation produced by the liver. Levels rise when there is inflammation in the body — from short-term causes such as infection or injury, or longer-term low-grade inflammation.

Why hs-CRP rather than standard CRP

High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures the same protein but at much lower concentrations than standard CRP. This makes it more useful for assessing low-grade chronic inflammation, which has been studied in the context of cardiovascular risk awareness.

What raised hs-CRP can indicate

Raised hs-CRP can flag patterns linked to inflammation from many causes: a recent infection, injury, intense exercise, smoking, obesity, or chronic conditions. Because it is non-specific, hs-CRP is most useful when read alongside other markers and in context with lifestyle, family history and other clinical information.

When the test is most useful

hs-CRP is generally not useful as a standalone test. It supports broader assessment of inflammation and cardiovascular risk, and is most informative as part of a wider health screening package that also covers cholesterol, blood pressure, lifestyle and other markers.

hs-CRP testing is for screening and risk awareness, not diagnosis. Raised levels can have many non-serious causes including recent infection or injury. If results suggest medical follow-up — or if you have current symptoms — please speak to your GP.

How it works

How private blood testing works

  1. 1

    Choose your package

    Pick the blood test panel and health check level that suits your needs.

  2. 2

    Book Kingston or Crawley

    Choose your clinic and appointment time online.

  3. 3

    Attend your appointment

    Your Health Adviser takes your blood sample and completes your on-the-day checks.

  4. 4

    Receive your report

    Blood results are usually ready within 2–5 working days, with clear explanations and next-step guidance.

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Really nice guy. I felt very at ease and it was a smooth process. Joe gave me insight into my diet that I hadn't considered before which I found very helpful. Definitely recommend!

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Lex

I had an excellent experience for my first appointment. Joe was welcoming and took the time to explain each step clearly, which made the appointment feel relaxed and reassuring. The overall level of care was outstanding.

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Tara

Super happy with the health screening experience. Joe was welcoming, friendly and gave lots of great tips about my health. Highly recommend, I will definitely be back!!

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DJN1012

Highly recommended. The whole process is simple and smooth. Joe was professional and friendly, who also gave some general health advice. Definitely worth it.

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Ching Yiu So

My practitioner was very professional and friendly. The health screening was conducted in the way it was described beforehand, and all the tests were completed as expected. I would recommend the service.

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Callie Head

I recently had a health screening and was thoroughly impressed from start to finish. Joe immediately made me feel at ease. The entire appointment was extremely well organised and professional, yet never felt rushed. I couldn't recommend Optimum Health Screening highly enough.

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FAQ

CRP blood test — frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral for a CRP blood test?
No. Adults aged 18–79 can book directly online, by phone or by email.
Do I need to fast before a CRP test?
No. The CRP marker does not require fasting, so you can eat and drink normally before your appointment.
Is CRP included in the Essential or Advanced Health Check?
No — hs-CRP is currently included in our Optimal Health Check (£189) and our Men’s and Women’s Cancer Marker Health Checks (£249), not in Essential or Advanced.
What is the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
They measure the same protein (C-reactive protein) but at different sensitivities. Standard CRP is usually used in clinical settings to assess significant inflammation from infection or active disease. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) measures much lower concentrations and is more useful for picking up low-grade chronic inflammation, which has been studied in cardiovascular risk awareness.
Should I take a CRP test if I have recently been ill?
If you have had a recent infection, injury or intense exercise, hs-CRP may be temporarily raised. You can still test, but the result may need interpreting in that context and may sometimes need repeating when you are well.
How quickly will I get my CRP results?
Your detailed blood test report is usually ready within 2–5 working days.
What if my CRP is raised?
Raised hs-CRP can have many causes, including a recent cold or infection, recent injury or intense exercise. Mildly raised levels often resolve on repeat testing. Your report will explain the result in context. If results suggest medical follow-up — or if you have current symptoms — please speak to your GP.
Can I just book a CRP test on its own?
Yes — single tests start from £99, with specialist tests priced higher. CRP is a non-specific inflammation marker, so most patients find it more useful when read alongside other markers in a wider health check package.

Related blood tests

Other health markers often checked alongside this test

Ready to book a CRP blood test?

Choose a health check package at our Kingston or Crawley clinics, with no GP referral needed and results in 2–5 working days.

Or call 020 8058 7765