Rapid, semi-quantitative assay of C-reactive protein evaluated

We evaluated a new rapid semi-quantitative immunometric assay of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a screening test for sepsis by comparison with an automated nephelometric method. Plasma samples (n = 101) from preterm infants during the first week of life were saved for CRP analyses. We measured CRP by the Nycocard semiquantitative method and compared the results with those obtained with a Behring Nephelometer. A CRP value less than 10 mg/L was considered to be negative for infection. All CRP results read as less than 10 mg/L (negative) by the Nycocard method were also less than 10 mg/L by the comparison method, and all CRP values found to be greater than 20 mg/L (positive) by the Nycocard method were also positive by the comparison method. Results in the 10-20 mg/L range were considered equivocal. We conclude that the Nycocard CRP semi-quantitative method is a rapid and useful screening test for sepsis in preterm infants.