Rapid CRP Test
Rapid CRP Testing
Key Points
- Point-of-care test measuring C-reactive protein levels
- Results available within 2-5 minutes
- High sensitivity (>95%) for detecting bacterial infections
- Useful in differentiating bacterial from viral infections
Introduction
Rapid CRP testing is a vital point-of-care diagnostic tool that measures C-reactive protein levels in blood, providing crucial information about inflammation and infection in pediatric patients. This test aids in clinical decision-making, particularly regarding antibiotic administration.
Testing Procedure
- Sample Collection:
- Finger-prick blood sample (5-10 μL)
- Alternative: Venous blood (EDTA/heparin)
- Testing Steps:
- Clean fingertip with alcohol swab
- Perform finger prick using lancet
- Collect blood in capillary tube
- Apply sample to test cartridge
- Insert cartridge into analyzer
- Results display within 2-5 minutes
Quality Control
- Daily analyzer calibration
- Temperature monitoring (15-30°C)
- Control testing with each new lot
Result Interpretation
Reference Ranges
- Newborns: <6 mg/L
- Infants/Children: <10 mg/L
- Bacterial infection suspicion: >20 mg/L
- Severe bacterial infection: >60 mg/L
Clinical Significance
- Low Risk (<10 mg/L):
- Likely viral infection
- Low probability of serious bacterial infection
- Consider observation without antibiotics
- Intermediate Risk (10-60 mg/L):
- Consider clinical context
- Monitor progression
- May need additional testing
- High Risk (>60 mg/L):
- High probability of bacterial infection
- Consider immediate antibiotic therapy
- Further investigations warranted
Clinical Applications
Primary Indications
- Fever without source
- Respiratory tract infections
- Meningitis suspicion
- Post-operative infection monitoring
- Neonatal sepsis screening
Advantages
- Rapid results (2-5 minutes)
- Minimal blood volume required
- High sensitivity for bacterial infections
- Cost-effective screening tool
- Reduces unnecessary antibiotic use
Limitations
- Not specific to particular diseases
- Affected by non-infectious conditions
- Results need clinical correlation
- May be normal in early infection
