CRP and ESR tests are often ordered for the same purpose. But the information they give is different, and it is important to know this.
CRP (C-Reactive Protein): Produced by the liver and rises rapidly as soon as inflammation begins in the body. This test mostly answers the question "what is happening right now?". It is a more sensitive indicator in acute infections, bacterial processes and sudden inflammation.
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate): Measures the sedimentation rate of red blood cells and reflects inflammation more indirectly. It rises late and returns to normal late; it gives more insight into processes that occurred recently or are chronic.
Important point: These tests do not make a diagnosis. They merely show whether there is inflammation in the body. To understand the cause, the clinical situation and other examinations must always be taken into account.