[Clinical value of nephelometric assay of C-reactive protein]

Laser immunonephelometry is a sensitive, specific and rapid method for assaying plasma C-reactive protein (CRP). This "acute phase" protein has recently been shown to be of significance in the regulation of immunological responses. It is released from hepatocytes early during infection, inflammation or necrosis. Nephelometry provides a good means for detection, monitoring and evaluation of therapeutic efficiency in these conditions. The increase in CRP may precede the positivity of the usual biological tests and is of value in situations where these tests cannot be interpreted.