hs-CRP Blood Test in Singapore

hs-CRP stands for high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. CRP is made by the liver and rises when there is inflammation in the body. The high-sensitivity version measures very low levels precisely, in the range that matters for cardiovascular risk. Low-grade, ongoing inflammation in the artery walls plays a part in the build-up and instability of fatty plaques, so hs-CRP is used as one marker to help assess your risk of heart attack and stroke, alongside cholesterol, blood pressure and other factors.

They measure the same protein but at different scales. A standard CRP test detects and monitors higher levels of inflammation from infections, injury or inflammatory conditions. The high-sensitivity (hs-CRP) test detects the much lower levels relevant to long-term cardiovascular risk, which a standard CRP is not precise enough to read reliably. If you have an active infection or an inflammatory flare, hs-CRP is not the right test at that time.

No. hs-CRP does not require fasting and can be taken at any time of day — it is a single blood draw. If it is done alongside a fasting lipid profile or glucose test, your doctor will let you know, but hs-CRP itself is unaffected by your last meal. It is best taken when you are well, not during or soon after an infection or illness, as short-term inflammation can raise the result.

For cardiovascular risk, hs-CRP is commonly grouped as: below 1.0 mg/L indicating lower risk, 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L average risk, and above 3.0 mg/L higher risk. A result of 10 mg/L or above usually reflects an acute infection or inflammation rather than cardiovascular risk, and should be repeated after about two weeks once you are well. Because hs-CRP can vary, doctors often use the average of two readings taken a couple of weeks apart, interpreted alongside your other risk factors. If it stays high after acute causes are excluded, that persistent elevation may itself reflect raised cardiovascular risk, especially with a chronic inflammatory condition.

Atherosclerosis — the furring-up of arteries that leads to heart attack and stroke — is not only about cholesterol; it involves ongoing inflammation in the artery wall that helps plaques grow and become unstable. hs-CRP is a marker of this low-grade inflammation. A raised hs-CRP can indicate added cardiovascular risk even when cholesterol looks acceptable, which is why it is used to refine risk assessment, particularly in people at intermediate risk where the decision to treat is not clear-cut.

hs-CRP is most useful for people at intermediate cardiovascular risk, where it can help decide how aggressively to manage other risk factors. It is worth considering with a family history of early heart disease or stroke, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, high cholesterol or high blood pressure, or simply to get a fuller picture of your cardiovascular risk. In Singapore, the Ministry of Health lists hs-CRP as a screening test that may be useful for individuals at intermediate coronary heart disease risk. Internationally, some cardiology guidance now supports measuring it more broadly in cardiovascular prevention, not only at intermediate risk. It is not recommended during an active infection. If you are unsure whether it applies to you, WhatsApp us and we will advise.

Because hs-CRP reflects inflammation, the same measures that protect your heart tend to lower it: stopping smoking, regular physical activity, losing excess weight, a diet rich in vegetables, wholegrains and healthy fats, and good control of blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol. Treating other sources of inflammation, such as gum disease, can also help. Where cardiovascular risk is high, statin therapy lowers both LDL cholesterol and hs-CRP and may be considered by your doctor. A raised hs-CRP is a prompt to act on the risks you can change.

Yes. Any recent infection, injury, flare of an inflammatory condition, or even vigorous exercise can temporarily raise hs-CRP and give a misleadingly high reading for cardiovascular purposes. This is why the test is best done when you are well, and why a very high result (10 mg/L or above) is usually repeated after about two weeks rather than acted on as a cardiovascular risk. Your doctor will factor in anything that might have affected the reading.

At our clinics the hs-CRP test is $38.15 NETT, inclusive of GST. A doctor consultation (from $49.05 NETT) may be required for a specifically requested test, so your doctor can confirm it is appropriate and interpret your result; this is waived if you have a referral or when hs-CRP is part of a cardiac screening. hs-CRP is also included in our Cardiac Screening panels, which can be more cost-effective for a fuller cardiovascular picture. See the full pricing table above or WhatsApp 8095 3275 to confirm current rates.