The use of quantitative and semi-quantitative methods in estimating C-reactive protein in upper respiratory tract infections

Background. C-reactive protein (CRP) is an acute phase protein whose concentration is lower than 6 mg/l in healthy subjects. It grows rapidly in bacterial infection, and thus it is often used as the marker of acute bacterial infection. Material and methods. To check CRP level in vein blood a GP can use qualitative, semi-quantitative strip tests or medical refractometer. In all these cases only 5-10 mu l of whole blood is needed, and the time spend on the test procedure is shorter than few minutes. In the paper we present 283 patients suffering from acute upper respiratory tract infections. In all cases CRP concentrations were estimated using quantitative (n = 171) or semi-quantitative (n = 112) methods. Results. Without checking CRP family doctor has properly recognized 74% of viral and 68% of bacterial infections. Conclusions. Clinical efficiency of both CRP screening methods was similar.