Beginning December 16, 2002, the Clinical Chemistry Laboratory of the Department of Pathology, will offer a new test, “High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein” (hsCRP). This test has greater detection ability for low levels of CRP (0.1 to 5 mg/L). At these low levels, increasing CRP levels have been shown to be an independent factor for determining the relative risk of a future cardiovascular event (1, 2, 3). Interpretative criteria can be found on the Pathology Laboratory Services Handbook website and in Rifai and Ridker (2). The test will be performed initially once a week on Friday evening. As test volume increases, additional testing times will be considered.

Until the requisition can be modified, “hsCRP” should be written on the requisition in the “other test” request portion of the A1A requisition. The usual test for CRP will continue to be available and if the “CRP” box is checked, only the regular CRP will be performed. Sample requirements will continue to be 0.5 to 2 ml serum (speckle top serum separator tube). Please note, that the hsCRP units (mg/L) are reported differently than the usual CRP (mg/dl).

Questions can be directed to Ronald Feld, Ph.D. at 319-356-1759.

References:
1. Ridker, P.M. et al. 2000. N Engl J Med. 342;836-843.
2. Rifai N. and Ridker, P.M. 2001. Clin Chem. 47;403-411.
3. Ridker, P.M. et al. 2002. N Engl J Med. 347;1557-1565.