C-reactive protein (CRP) is a ring-shaped protein found in the blood plasma, with levels that rise significantly in response to inflammation. Produced primarily by the liver, CRP acts as an important component of the innate immune system, binding to dead or dying cells and foreign pathogens to assist with their clearance. Clinicians frequently order a CRP blood test to detect acute inflammation, screen for infections, and monitor chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease. Elevated CRP levels serve as a non-specific indicator of underlying tissue injury, guiding medical professionals toward accurate diagnoses and effective treatment plans.