What does the C-reactive protein (CRP) test measure?

The C-reactive protein (CRP) test measures the level of inflammation in the body. CRP is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. When there is an infection, injury, or other types of inflammatory conditions, the levels of CRP in the blood increase as part of the body's immune response.

This test is often utilized in clinical settings to assess conditions such as autoimmune diseases, infections, and chronic inflammatory conditions. A high level of CRP can indicate that inflammation is present, but it does not specify the exact cause of the inflammation, making it a valuable marker for monitoring disease activity and effectiveness of treatment.

The other options focus on different parameters. Cholesterol levels pertain to lipid metabolism and cardiovascular risk assessment, the presence of bacteria in the bloodstream is typically assessed through blood cultures, and a deficiency in white blood cells is indicative of hematological issues rather than inflammation.