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A child’s CRP test is performed to determine the level of the C-reactive protein concentration. The test is performed in a laboratory using the child’s blood collected earlier. When should a child’s CRP be tested. What test result should worry us? What is the most common cause of an elevated CRP level in a child?
What is CRP?
CRP is, in fact, a C-reactive protein, which belongs to the acute phase proteins. This protein is produced by the liver when the body is inflamed. Specialists report that the level of CRP in a child’s blood may increase within hours of the onset of the infection. Strong infections such as sepsis can cause CRP levels to rise up to a thousand times above normal. While the CRP level test shows inflammation in the child’s body, it does not answer what is causing it. Therefore, the result of a child’s CRP examination should always be consulted with the pediatrician.
CRP in a child – indications
The indication for a CRP test in a child is usually a high fever that lasts for several days. In a situation where the doctor is unable to confirm whether the cause of the fever is a bacterial or viral infection, he uses the result of this test. On the basis of the result, it may decide on the further course of treatment and possible inclusion of antibiotics in the treatment. CRP examination in a child is also performed in the case of suspicion of neoplastic or autoimmune diseases. CRP should also be tested after surgery to monitor the wound healing process. Your child’s CRP may also be ordered by the doctor to check that the treatment for the infection is effective.
Normal CRP result in a child
The norm of a child’s CRP result depends on the laboratory where the test was performed. Usually, a normal child’s CRP result is below 5 mg / l. It is then said about the so-called CRP negative. In older children, the CRP concentration should be kept below 10 mg / l. Higher indications are a sign of inflammation in the body and require consultation with a doctor.
The CRP indicator is one of the tests included in the package Child health check – diagnostic tests offered by the patient’s form. Thanks to this package you will learn how your child’s body works.
The causes of elevated CRP in a child
Inflammation is the most frequently cited cause of high CRP in a child. In infants, high CRP may be due to preterm labor, premature departure, and a low Apgar score. An infant may become infected from the mother or from medical personnel. If the infant’s CRP level does not decrease over the following hours, antibiotic treatment may be necessary. The interpretation of the CRP test result in a child largely depends on how much the norm has been exceeded:
- CRP in a child between 20 and 40 mg / l – there is a high probability that there is a viral infection,
- CRP in a child between 40 and 200 mg / l – there is a high probability that a bacterial infection may be indicated,
- CRP in a child between 200 and 300 mg / l – there is a high probability that a severe infection, viral hepatitis or poisoning with toxins can be indicated.
It is worth noting that in medical diagnostics there is no concept that is below the norm of CRP in a child. Low results, also those close to zero, are normal and show no inflammation in the body.
CRP in a child – price
In the event of difficulties in diagnosing the type of infection in a child, the doctor may order a CRP test at the National Health Fund, which is then free of charge. If we decide to perform CRP on a child in a private laboratory, we will pay for the test from several to several dozen zlotys.
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