C-reactive protein testing: Powering precision in inflammation and cardiovascular diagnostics
The global C-reactive protein (CRP) testing market, valued at USD 3.3 billion in 2024, is on a path of steady growth, with projections indicating a compound annual growth rate of 4.1% from 2025 through 2034.
By the end of the forecast period, the market is expected to surpass USD 4.8 billion, driven by a confluence of clinical needs, technological advancements, and evolving patient care models.
CRP testing has become an essential tool in the diagnosis and management of chronic inflammatory conditions, cardiovascular diseases, and infections. As the global burden of chronic disorders continues to rise, so too does the demand for rapid, reliable biomarkers that can guide treatment decisions and monitor therapeutic efficacy. CRP’s role as a non-specific but highly responsive indicator of systemic inflammation makes it indispensable in both hospital and outpatient settings.
One of the key growth drivers is the increasing prevalence of chronic diseases—including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn’s disease, and cardiovascular conditions—which require continuous monitoring of inflammation levels. CRP testing offers a cost-effective and widely accessible method to support these ongoing diagnostic needs.
The market is also benefiting from the surge in direct-to-home testing services, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic and sustained by consumer demand for greater convenience and autonomy in health management. CRP testing kits designed for at-home use are helping expand access to diagnostic tools, particularly for patients managing long-term health conditions or residing in remote areas.
In parallel, advances in testing technology—such as high-sensitivity CRP assays and point-of-care platforms—are improving detection accuracy, speed, and ease of use. These innovations support earlier diagnosis, better disease stratification, and personalized treatment planning, aligning with broader healthcare goals of precision medicine and value-based care.
However, the market faces notable challenges. Chief among them is the lack of global standardization in CRP testing methodologies and reference ranges. Variability between test platforms can affect clinical interpretation and decision-making, limiting the comparability of results across institutions and geographies. Addressing this inconsistency will be critical to unlocking the full potential of CRP as a universal diagnostic marker.
Despite these headwinds, the outlook for the CRP testing market remains positive. Continued investment in R&D, expansion of decentralized testing services, and ongoing efforts to harmonize diagnostic protocols are expected to sustain momentum. As healthcare systems worldwide adapt to rising chronic disease burdens and shift toward more proactive, patient-centric models, CRP testing will remain a vital component of the diagnostic landscape.
Strategic focus on product innovation, regulatory alignment, and clinician education will be key to meeting future demand and maximizing the clinical utility of CRP testing in the decade ahead.
