CRP-POCT: When is it necessary?

Nugteren S, Pleumeekers HJCM, Eekhof JAH. CRP-POCT: wanneer nodig en wanneer niet? Huisarts Wet 2015;58(6):322-6. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a sensitive but non-specific marker of inflammation. General practitioners can now measure levels with a point-of-care test (POCT). Because most studies evaluating the value of measuring CRP levels were carried out in secondary care, it is not clear for which disorders the CRP-POCT is a useful diagnostic test in primary care. In this article, relevant guidelines produced by the Dutch College of General Practitioners and articles about the usefulness of CRP-POCT are discussed by diagnosis and how findings influence decision making in general practice. Because the probability of serious conditions in general practice is low, the CRPPOCT is especially useful for excluding diagnoses. The CRP-POCT has proven effective in general practice when there is suspicion of lower airway infection or diverticulitis, and clinical studies have shown that it is also useful to measure CRP levels in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or suspected pelvic inflammatory disease. There has been too little research to establish the usefulness of the CRP-POCT in general practice for other inflammatory conditions.