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Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Distinguish CRP Codes

Published on Wed Nov 08, 2006

Question: What is the difference between the C-reactive protein and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein codes?


Ohio Subscriber


Answer: C-reactive protein (CRP) is a blood test that measures a protein produced by the liver as a response to inflammation somewhere in the body.

Physicians might order standard C-reactive protein tests to monitor a number of inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis. These tests do not accurately measure low levels of CRP. Use 86140 (C-reactive protein) to report the conventional CRP assay.

The high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) is a newer lab method that detects low levels of CRP using monoclonal antibodies and a turbidity measure. Quantifying lower levels of CRP can be important for evaluating increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Report hsCRP using 86141 (C-reactive protein; high sensitivity [hsCRP]).
 
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