Lab Test: C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Homocysteine

When and Why the C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Homocysteine Panel May Be Ordered

The C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Homocysteine Panel may be ordered when:

1. Assessing Cardiovascular Risk: In individuals with intermediate risk factors to determine the need for more aggressive treatment or preventive strategies.
2. Monitoring Treatment: Especially for those on specific medications or interventions aiming to reduce inflammation or homocysteine levels.
3. Unexplained Symptoms: Such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or other potential cardiovascular symptoms without a clear cause.

What the C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Homocysteine Panel Checks For

• High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP): This test measures the amount of CRP in the blood using a high-sensitivity method, which can detect lower concentrations of the protein. CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. The “high-sensitivity” version of this test can detect minor inflammation, making it valuable in assessing heart disease risk.
• Homocysteine: Homocysteine is an amino acid, a building block of proteins. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood can irritate blood vessels, leading to plaque formation and increasing the risk of blockages (atherosclerosis).

Conditions or Diseases the C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Homocysteine Panel Can Check For

• Cardiovascular Disease: Elevated hs-CRP levels indicate inflammation, which is associated with a higher risk of atherosclerosis and heart attacks. Likewise, elevated homocysteine levels are linked with an increased risk of coronary heart disease, stroke, and peripheral vascular disease.
• Autoimmune or Chronic Inflammatory Disorders: Elevated hs-CRP can be indicative of conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis.
• Vitamin Deficiency: Elevated homocysteine levels can indicate deficiencies in vitamins B6, B12, or folic acid, as these vitamins help process homocysteine in the body.

The C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) and Homocysteine Panel provides valuable insights into inflammatory status and cardiovascular health. Elevated levels of either biomarker necessitate further investigation and potentially more aggressive preventive or therapeutic strategies to reduce heart disease risk.

How it Works

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You:  order your tests,  get your blood drawn, and then  receive your results on-line.

1. Order your lab tests directly online.

   • Research and select your test or wellness package online.
   • Select and purchase your tests online on our safe and secure payment system.
   • Create or login to your own confidential Ulta Lab Tests account.
   • Receive an automated confirmation email receipt.
   • Print your lab requisition order after checkout.

2. Get your blood drawn at one of our 2,500 approved patient service centers nationally near you.

   • When ordering your lab tests, after you have selected your tests, use our online Locator to search our network and find a convenient Patient Service Center near you.
   • Take your Lab Requisition to the selected Patient Service Center to get your specimen collected.
   • If your lab test or wellness package requires fasting, then fast as directed prior to your blood draw (special instructions will be noted in the Patient Instructions section of your Lab Requisition order).

3. Review your test results and biomarkers online.

   • Within a few business days, you will receive an email notification when your results are available (occasionally, complex tests may take between 7-10 business days for results).
   • Your results will be uploaded into your private and secure healthcare dashboard.
   • Log in and view intuitive charts that display your data, along with explanations of biomarker to give you a clear understanding of your results.
   • Easy to read PDF’s of your tests results are also available to share with your physician and healthcare providers.

4. Track your progress; consult with your healthcare provider and retest.

   • Your personalized health dashboard makes it easy to view diagnostic changes that occur between blood tests, allowing you to adjust your wellness plan for even better health.
   • We recommend that you share and review your results with your physician and healthcare providers.
   • It’s up to you whether you share your test results with your physician, healthcare provider, your family, or anyone else.

5. Consult Your Healthcare Provider

   • We recommend that you share and review your results with your physician and healthcare providers.
   • It’s up to you whether you share your test results with your physician, healthcare provider, your family, or anyone else.

Hints

• Lab requisitions are valid for 5 months from the date of approval.
• Please be sure to check your spam or junk folders in case our link and or email address is not being listed in your contacts or safe recipients list.
• If your results are abnormal, we advise you to seek professional medical attention.
• Please refer to our Notice of Privacy Practices for details on the confidential nature of your protected information.

Not Available in Certain States

• Currently, New York, New Jersey and Rhode Island state laws prohibit direct-access testing. Our direct lab test service cannot be conducted at Patient Service Centers located within these states at this time.