So will a C-reactive protein test show that I have an infection?

I had or have an infection in a past root canal area, things I have read show there could be a problem with heart disease, stroke etc, and to test with a C-reaction protein test. So I was on medication (Aristin) and had it a week ago, so if I had the test would it show if the infection has cleared up. If it came back off would it mean the infection is still there, Don't want to loose the tooth if the infection has cleared up.Thanks

So will a C-reactive protein test show that I have an infection?
The CRP tests for inflammation, not infection. Having your white blood count tested would be more appropriate. Your infection in your root canal, if treated with antibiotics, will not increase your chances for a heart attack/disease or stroke.
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Reply:CRP is a test, not very commonly used, to detect any inflammation in the body, especially the arteries and veins, hence why it is used almost exclusively to test for cardiovascular risk.


To measure the CRP level, a "high-sensitivity" CRP or hs-CRP test needs to be performed and analyzed by a laboratory. This is an automated blood test designed for greater accuracy in measuring low levels of CRP, which allows the physician to assess cardiovascular risk. If a result in the low-risk range is found ( %26lt; 1 mg/L), it does not need repeating. Higher levels need repeating, and clinical evaluation as necessary.


Your doctor should be the one to order and evaulate blood tests, as to find infections, other tests are commonly used such as a CBC.