CRP is a protein that the liver releases in response to inflammation in the body. High CRP levels often indicate acute inflammation, which can occur due to infection, injury, or chronic inflammatory diseases like arthritis. By measuring CRP, doctors can assess how much inflammation is present, which helps monitor conditions and guide treatment.

The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube in an hour. Inflammation causes these cells to clump together and settle faster, leading to a higher ESR. This test is a general marker of inflammation and can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory disorders.