Inflammation & immunity

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

hs-CRP measures low-grade inflammation that you usually can't feel.

Included in every $199 draw

Key benefits of hs-CRP testing

Catches silent inflammation before it causes symptoms.
Adds heart-risk information beyond cholesterol.
Reflects how sleep, weight, diet and stress affect your body.
Helps explain fatigue, joint aches or slow recovery.
Tracks whether lifestyle changes are calming inflammation.

What is hs-CRP?

C-reactive protein is made by the liver when your body is inflamed. The high-sensitivity test picks up very small rises that a standard CRP test would miss.

Why hs-CRP matters

Chronic low-grade inflammation damages blood vessels over time. People with higher hs-CRP have a higher risk of heart attack and stroke, even with normal cholesterol.

What your hs-CRP results mean

Below 1.0 mg/L: lower cardiovascular risk.
1.0 to 3.0 mg/L: average risk. Worth improving if other risks are present.
Above 3.0 mg/L: higher risk, or a sign of ongoing inflammation.
Context matters: a cold, injury or hard workout can spike hs-CRP. Levels above 10 mg/L usually mean acute illness, so retest in two to three weeks.

Standard vs. optimal range

	Range
Standard lab range	Below 3.0 mg/L (below 1.0 mg/L = lower risk)
Insyght optimal range	Set by the Insyght medical team

LowHigh

Lab reference rangeYour optimal range

A value can read normal on a standard panel and still sit outside optimal. Insyght flags it.

Do I need an hs-CRP test?

Always sore, tired, or slow to recover? A family history of heart disease? hs-CRP shows whether inflammation is working quietly in the background.

Measure the inflammation you can't feel

Insyght tests hs-CRP with 17 more immune and inflammation markers, including NLR and CRP/albumin ratio. $199 a year.

Become a member See what we test

Similar biomarkers

Neutrophil/Lymphocyte RatioCRP/Albumin RatioFerritin ApoBWBC

Frequently asked questions

What's the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?

Both measure the same protein. hs-CRP can detect much lower levels, which is what matters for heart risk.

What raises hs-CRP?

Extra body fat, poor sleep, smoking, infections, autoimmune conditions and intense recent exercise can all raise it.

How can I lower hs-CRP?

Regular activity, weight loss if needed, better sleep and a diet rich in whole foods and fiber tend to lower it over months.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Rishi Panchal, DO, FACC, Board-certified cardiologist, Fellow of the American College of Cardiology. Last updated September 28, 2026.