What is the Difference Between CRP and D Dimer Test?

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The main difference between CRP and D-Dimer tests lies in the substances they measure and their purposes.

CRP (C-reactive Protein) Test:

  • Measures the levels of C-reactive protein in the blood.
  • Used to evaluate the degree of inflammation in the body.
  • Higher levels of CRP indicate inflammation, which can be caused by various factors such as infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions.

D-Dimer Test:

  • Measures the levels of D-dimer protein fragments in the blood.
  • Used to assess blood clotting problems.
  • Higher levels of D-dimer in the blood are indicative of blood clotting problems, such as deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.

In summary, the CRP test is used to measure inflammation, while the D-dimer test is used to assess blood clotting problems.

Comparative Table: CRP vs D Dimer Test

Here is a table comparing the differences between the CRP and D-Dimer tests:

Test Purpose Protein Measured Inflammation Marker Blood Clotting Marker Normal Range
CRP Measures inflammation in the body C-reactive protein Yes No Less than 10 mg/L
D-Dimer Measures blood clotting problems in the body D-dimer protein fragment No Yes Not applicable (binary interpretation)

The CRP test looks for c-reactive protein in the blood sample and measures inflammation in the body. On the other hand, the D-dimer test looks for the D-dimer protein fragment in the blood sample and measures blood clotting problems in the body. The normal range for a standard CRP test is usually less than 10 mg/L, while the interpretation of D-dimer levels is binary, meaning it is either normal or abnormal.