Immunology mnemonic

Positive acute phase reactants

The mnemonic

CRP, Fibrinogen, Ferritin, Hepcidin

What each word stands for

  • CRPC-reactive protein: opsonin that rises early
  • FibrinogenRaises ESR
  • FerritinIron storage protein that rises in inflammation
  • HepcidinReduces iron availability

Why it matters clinically

Explains the raised ESR and anaemia of chronic disease in persistent infection.

Where it stops being reliable

Not exhaustive: serum amyloid A and others are also positive acute phase proteins; albumin falls.

Teaching aid, still awaiting independent review. Confirm facts in a standard source.

More mnemonics

Common questions

What is the Immunology mnemonic?

CRP, Fibrinogen, Ferritin, Hepcidin. It helps you recall: Positive acute phase reactants.

What does "CRP" stand for?

C-reactive protein: opsonin that rises early

What does "Fibrinogen" stand for?

Raises ESR

What does "Ferritin" stand for?

Iron storage protein that rises in inflammation

What are all the parts of the CRP, Fibrinogen, Ferritin, Hepcidin mnemonic?

CRP: C-reactive protein: opsonin that rises early; Fibrinogen: Raises ESR; Ferritin: Iron storage protein that rises in inflammation; Hepcidin: Reduces iron availability.

Which topic does this mnemonic belong to?

It belongs to Immunology in Microbiology.

Where does this mnemonic stop being reliable?

Not exhaustive: serum amyloid A and others are also positive acute phase proteins; albumin falls.

How is this useful clinically?

Explains the raised ESR and anaemia of chronic disease in persistent infection.

How do I make this mnemonic stick?

Say it aloud, write it from memory tomorrow, then again in a week. Then test yourself on a Microbiology question about Immunology.

Is this a standard mnemonic?

It is a teaching aid written or adapted by our team. Some resemble ones students share informally. Check any fact that matters in a standard source.