High Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP)

CPT Code: 86141
Order Code: C121
ABN Requirement:  No
Synonyms: High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein; Cardio CRP
Specimen: Serum
Volume: 1.0 mL
Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Container: Gel-barrier tube (SST, Tiger Top)

Collection:

Serum:

  1. Collect and label sample according to standard protocols.
  2. Gently invert tube 5 times immediately after draw. DO NOT SHAKE.
  3. Allow blood to clot 30 minutes.
  4. Centrifuge for 10 minutes.

Transport: Store serum at 2°C to 8°C after collection and ship the same day per packaging instructions included with the provided shipping box.

Stability:

Ambient (15-25°C): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C): 90 days

Causes for Rejection: Specimens other than serum; improper labeling; samples not stored properly; samples older than stability limits

Methodology: Immunoturbidimetric Assay

Turn Around Time: 1 to 3 days

Relative Risk Ranges:

Age Low Risk
mg/L
 Moderate Risk
mg/L
 High Risk
mg/L
All Ages <1.0 1.0-3.0 >3.0

hs-CRP values above the upper limit (10.0 mg/L) will be reported as >10.0 mg/L. Follow-up testing is recommended to help rule out recent response to infection or tissue injury. Persistent elevations above 10.0 mg/L should be evaluated for noncardiovascular etiologies.

Clinical Significance: Useful in predicting relative risk of cardiovascular disease.

Guideline considerations (Ages >17 years):

Hs-CRP

(mg/L)

 Risk According to AHA/CDC Guidelines
<1.0 Lower relative cardiovascular risk
1.0-3.0 Average relative cardiovascular risk
3.1-10.0 Higher relative cardiovascular risk. Consider retesting in 1 to 2 weeks to exclude a benign transient elevation in the baseline CRP value secondary to infection or inflammation.
>10.0 Persistent elevation, upon retesting, may be associated with infection and inflammation

Pearson TA et al. Circulation. 2003; 107:499-511.

Limitations: In very rare cases gammopathy, particularly of the monoclonal IgM type (e.g., Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results. Samples containing high levels of Rheumatoid Factors may cause artificially low results.

The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.