CBC with CRP in one test: when it helps
A child with fever, a doctor with ten minutes, and a decision about antibiotics. A blood count and a CRP result during the visit make that decision easier.
- PatientFever or cough at the visit
- SampleA few drops of blood
- ResultCBC and CRP in minutes
- DecisionAntibiotic or not
- RecordResult on file
Why run CBC and CRP together?
A complete blood count shows the white cell response and C-reactive protein (CRP) shows the level of inflammation. Together, from one small sample and in a few minutes, they help a doctor judge whether an infection is likely to need antibiotics while the patient is still in the clinic. The result supports the clinical examination; it does not replace it.
What the evidence says about CRP and antibiotics
A Cochrane review of 12 trials with 10,218 patients found that CRP testing at the point of care reduced antibiotic prescriptions for respiratory infections from 516 to 397 per 1,000 patients, without slowing recovery. NICE guidance for adults with lower respiratory infection uses CRP bands: below 20 mg/L antibiotics are not routinely offered, 20 to 100 mg/L a delayed prescription is considered, and above 100 mg/L antibiotics are offered.
Fewer unnecessary antibiotics matters. The GRAM study estimated 1.27 million deaths worldwide in 2019 directly attributable to antibiotic-resistant bacterial infections.
Separate tests and a combined analyzer compared
| CBC and CRP sent separately | Combined CBC and CRP analyzer | |
|---|---|---|
| Samples | Often two tubes | One small sample |
| Result timing | After the visit in many clinics | During the visit |
| Example | HORIBA Microsemi CRP: 18 µL of whole blood, about 4 minutes | |
| Differential | Depends on the analyzer | 3-part |
| CRP range | Depends on the method | 0 to 200 mg/L |
See the HORIBA Microsemi CRP and CBC CRP analyzers.
Where a CBC and CRP analyzer fits
Paediatric clinics
A small sample and an answer before the family leaves.
Outpatient departments
Fever and cough cases sorted at the first visit.
Emergency rooms
A quick first look while other tests are sent.
Nursing homes and small hospitals
Testing on site without a full laboratory.
Follow-up
Repeat CRP to see whether treatment is working.
Newborn units
With care. A Cochrane review found CRP alone is not accurate enough for early diagnosis of late-onset infection in newborns.
How Milap helps
Site check and demo
We look at your workload and location, and show the system working before you decide.
Installation by our own engineers
Commissioning, checks and handover are done by Milap engineers.
Training for every shift
Application training for the nurses, technicians and doctors who will run samples.
Service after the sale
AMC and CMC contracts, with breakdown calls answered during evenings and weekends too.
Sources
Cochrane review, biomarkers to guide antibiotic use in airway infections.
NICE CG191, pneumonia in adults.
GRAM study, Lancet 2022.
Cochrane review, CRP for late-onset infection in newborns.
HORIBA, Microsemi CRP.
Frequently asked questions
No. CRP rises with inflammation from many causes. The doctor reads it with the blood count and the examination.
No. CRP alone is not reliable enough in newborns, and decisions follow the neonatal team’s protocol.
The HORIBA Microsemi CRP uses 18 µL for CBC with CRP and 10 µL for CBC alone.
For screening in clinics and outpatient departments it usually is. Abnormal counts are followed up on a 5-part analyzer or a slide.
Trained clinic or laboratory staff. Milap provides application training at installation.
Want CBC and CRP results during the visit?
Tell us your setting and daily patient numbers and we will arrange a demo.