Diagnostic Blood Test: C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) The liver releases C-reactive protein (CRP) in response to inflammation. Elevated CRP levels may be a sign of unresolved inflammatory cascades and immune dysfunction. Chronically elevated CRP is associated with increased risk of heart disease. The high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test more accurately measures low levels of the CRP protein compared to standard tests.