Final answer:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is used to measure the level of inflammation in the body, which can indicate the presence of various conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis, and heart attacks. It's a critical marker for diagnosing these conditions and guiding treatment decisions.
Step-by-step explanation:
C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver that increases in the presence of inflammation in the body. Clinicians use CRP levels as a marker of inflammation for various conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and chronic diseases. Additionally, CRP testing is used for monitoring the severity and treatment response in conditions that cause inflammation.
An increased level of CRP in the blood is a general marker of inflammation and can suggest an acute inflammatory response, as might occur with infections or following a heart attack. In cases of rheumatoid arthritis, CRP levels are useful in diagnosing the condition in conjunction with other factors, such as the presence of rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibodies (anti-CCP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and imaging tests.
CRP tests can be critical for diagnosing conditions and guiding treatment decisions, making it a valuable tool in clinical medicine.