CRP blood test
A private CRP blood test to check a marker of inflammation that can rise with infection, injury or inflammatory conditions.
Book a GP blood test appointment if you feel unwell, have ongoing symptoms or need CRP interpreted alongside other blood tests and clinical findings.
Test options
CRP and inflammation blood tests
These cards are here for orientation, so you can see the CRP and inflammation tests available at DocTap. Whether you already know the test you want or need advice, book a GP blood test appointment; your GP can take your sample and advise if a different option is more suitable.
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Protein Total, Albumin, Globulin
Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Magnesium
Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron (TIBC included)
HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol
CRP
FBC, ESR
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Protein Total, Albumin, Globulin
Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Magnesium
Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron (TIBC included)
HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol
CRP
FBC, ESR
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Protein Total, Albumin, Globulin
Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Magnesium
Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron (TIBC included)
HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol
Free T4/TSH
HbA1c
Ferritin
CRP
FBC, ESR
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Urea, Creatinine, eGFR
Bilirubin, Alkaline Phosphatase, AST, ALT, Gamma GT, Protein Total, Albumin, Globulin
Calcium, Phosphate, Uric Acid, Magnesium
Glucose, Triglycerides, Cholesterol, Iron (TIBC included)
HDL Cholesterol, LDL Cholesterol (calculated), Non-HDL Cholesterol
Free T4/TSH
HbA1c
Ferritin
Vitamin D
CRP
From booking to results
Your appointment, step by step
Book online, see a GP, have your sample taken during the appointment and view your results securely in your DocTap account.
- 1Book online in minutesChoose your preferred clinic and time, and select a male or female clinician where available. You will get instant confirmation.
- 2We will tell you how to prepareMost blood tests do not need fasting. If a test needs anything specific beforehand, we will let you know before your appointment.
- 3See a GP and have your sample takenYour appointment includes a 15-minute GP consultation to discuss symptoms, check suitability or advise which test you need. A quick blood sample is then taken from your arm.
- 4Get results and follow-upYou will get a message when your result is ready. Your results and doctor's report will be available securely in your DocTap account; abnormal results are prioritised and your clinician will contact you if urgent action is needed.
What it can show
What CRP can and cannot tell you
CRP is useful because it shows inflammation, but it does not tell you the cause on its own.
A marker of inflammation
CRP stands for C-reactive protein. It is made by the liver and can rise when the body is responding to inflammation, infection, injury or some inflammatory conditions. It is a signal, not a diagnosis.
Useful, but non-specific
A raised CRP does not tell you whether the cause is viral, bacterial, autoimmune, injury-related or something else. Your GP has to interpret it alongside symptoms, examination and other tests.
A normal CRP has limits too
A normal CRP can be reassuring, but it does not rule out every condition. Timing matters, and some problems do not cause a large CRP rise. If symptoms are concerning, the result should not be used in isolation.
When to test
When CRP testing can help
CRP is most useful when the question is whether inflammation is part of what is going on.
Feeling unwell with persistent symptoms
CRP can help when symptoms such as fever, aches, fatigue or feeling generally unwell are not settling and your GP wants extra information about inflammation.
Pain, swelling or possible flare-ups
It can be useful where joint pain, swelling, abdominal symptoms or known inflammatory conditions need context. It does not replace an examination, but it can help decide whether further tests are needed.
Monitoring whether things are improving
CRP can sometimes be repeated to see whether inflammation is rising or settling after treatment or over time. The trend is often more useful than one isolated number.
Results
What a raised CRP result might mean
The next step depends on how high it is, how you feel and what else is going on.
Raised CRP means “find the reason”
A raised CRP may lead your GP to ask more about symptoms, check your temperature, examine you and consider tests such as FBC, urine testing, liver or kidney markers, cultures or imaging depending on the story.
The level and trend both matter
A mildly raised CRP can have a different meaning from a very high or rising CRP. Previous results, recent illness and current symptoms all affect interpretation.
When not to wait for a routine result
If you feel seriously unwell, have chest pain, severe shortness of breath, confusion, severe abdominal pain, a spreading rash or signs of sepsis, you should seek urgent medical help rather than relying on a routine CRP test.
Clinical quality
The standards behind every test
The clinical standards behind every DocTap blood test, across our London clinics.
- CQC rated ‘Good’.
- Independently inspected and regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
- Fully GMC-registered doctors.
- UK-trained and experienced GPs only.
- Every consultation reviewed.
- Each one is checked for quality and safety, overseen by our Medical Director.
- No sales incentives.
- Our GPs are never paid commissions for tests or treatments.
Ready to book?
Book a GP blood test appointment, or compare prices for other blood tests.
11 locations where we test
DocTap London clinics and on-site laboratories
Canary Wharf
Situated by South Quay Footbridge, a 3-minute walk from Canary Wharf and Heron Quays stations.
Hammersmith
Situated on King Street, a 6-minute walk from Hammersmith underground stations.
Kings Cross & Euston
Located just off Euston Road, less than a 10-minute walk from both Euston and King’s Cross stations.
Liverpool Street & Bank
Located in the heart of the City, a 5-minute walk from Liverpool Street and Bank stations.
London Bridge
Located just off Borough High Street, an 8-minute walk from London Bridge station.
Bond Street
Located on Wigmore Street, just off Harley Street, a 7-minute walk from Bond Street station.
Clapham
Located on Clapham High Street, only a 3-minute walk from Clapham Common station.
Old Street
Located off Old Street, a 3-minute walk from Old Street underground station.
Stratford
Located within The Conductor building, a 6-minute walk from Stratford station, or 3 minutes from the Westfield shopping centre.
Swiss Cottage
Only a 3-minute walk from Swiss Cottage station.
Victoria
Situated on Lower Belgrave Street, a 5-minute walk from Victoria rail and underground stations.
Online GP
Speak to a GP by video or phone, wherever you are — no app needed. Ideal for follow-ups and straightforward concerns.