CRP stands for C-reactive protein, which is a protein made by the liver and released into the bloodstream in response to inflammation. A CRP blood test measures the level of CRP in a sample of your blood and can show whether you have inflammation in your body and how much. The test can be used to help find or monitor inflammation in acute or chronic conditions, including infections, inflammatory bowel disease, autoimmune disorders, and lung diseases. It can also be used to see if treatments for chronic inflammation are working or to make treatment decisions if you have sepsis. Additionally, a high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test can help assess your risk of heart disease.