Wallach's Interpretation of Diagnostic Tests: Pathways to Arriving at a Clinical Diagnosis (854 page)

   Pregnancy

Decreased In

   Patients treated with carboxypenicillins

   Liver failure

   Limitations

   Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) values are nonspecific and should not be interpreted without a complete clinical history.

   Heterophile antibodies may falsely increase levels.

   Elevated levels of CRP are influenced by genetics, age, a sedentary lifestyle, stress, exposure to environmental toxins, and diet that specifically contains refined, processed, and manufactured foods.

CREATINE

   Definition

   Creatine is synthesized in the liver, taken up by muscle for stored energy as creatine phosphate, and broken down to creatinine; it then enters the circulation and is excreted by the kidneys.

   
Normal range:

   Male: 0.2–0.7 mg/dL

   Female: 0.3–0.9 mg/dL

   Use