Inflammation Blood Test

Inflammation is a complex biological process that occurs in response to injury, infection, or irritation. It is a normal part of the body’s immune response, but when it becomes chronic, it can contribute to the development of many diseases and conditions.

Inflammation can cause redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and a decreased range of motion in the affected area. Some common causes of inflammation include:

• Infections (such as bacterial or viral infections)
• Injuries (such as cuts, sprains, or broken bones)
• Chronic conditions (such as arthritis, autoimmune diseases, and some types of cancer)
• Exposure to toxins (such as pollutants, smoke, and certain chemicals)
• Poor lifestyle habits (such as a diet high in sugar and processed foods, lack of physical activity, and chronic stress)

Managing inflammation is important for overall health and well-being. Some strategies for reducing inflammation include:

• Eating a healthy diet that is low in sugar and processed foods, and high in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats
• Engaging in regular physical activity
• Getting enough sleep
• Managing stress
• Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption

If you have symptoms of inflammation or a chronic condition that causes inflammation, it is important to speak with a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

3 Analytes

C-Reactive Protein, high sensitivity

D-Dimer

Homocysteine

C-Reactive Protein (CRP), high sensitivity (hs-CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation in the body. It is measured in a blood test to evaluate a person’s level of inflammation. The high sensitivity test (hs-CRP) is a more sensitive version of the CRP test and can detect low levels of inflammation.

Elevated levels of CRP, especially hs-CRP, are associated with an increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic conditions. The normal range for hs-CRP may vary depending on the laboratory, but generally falls between 0-3 mg/L. A healthcare professional will interpret the results in the context of a person’s overall health and medical history. In general, the lower the hs-CRP level, the lower the level of inflammation and the lower the risk of heart disease and other chronic conditions.

D-dimer is a blood biomarker that is commonly used to assess the presence of blood clot formation or thrombosis. It is a breakdown product of fibrin, which is a protein involved in blood clot formation and dissolution. Elevated levels of D-dimer in the blood can indicate the activation of blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, processes that are often associated with inflammation.

Inflammation can trigger the activation of the coagulation system as part of the immune response. When there is tissue damage or infection, immune cells release inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, which can activate the coagulation cascade. This activation helps to localize and contain the infection or injury, as well as promote tissue repair.

During inflammation, the coagulation system is activated in a controlled manner to prevent the spread of infection. However, excessive or prolonged activation can lead to the formation of blood clots within blood vessels, which can be harmful. These clots can disrupt blood flow, leading to tissue damage, organ dysfunction, or even life-threatening conditions like deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, or stroke.

D-dimer levels are often measured in clinical settings to help diagnose and monitor conditions associated with abnormal blood clotting, such as deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC), or venous thromboembolism. Elevated D-dimer levels can indicate the presence of active blood clot formation or fibrinolysis, suggesting an ongoing coagulation process.

It’s important to note that D-dimer is a sensitive but nonspecific marker, meaning elevated levels can be seen in various conditions other than inflammation and thrombosis. Conditions like trauma, surgery, pregnancy, liver disease, certain cancers, and even advanced age can also cause D-dimer elevation. Therefore, D-dimer testing is usually used in combination with other clinical assessments and imaging techniques to make a definitive diagnosis.

In summary, while D-dimer is primarily used as a marker for blood clot formation, it can be influenced by inflammation due to the interplay between the coagulation system and the immune response. Elevated D-dimer levels may indicate the presence of inflammation-associated coagulation processes, but further evaluation and clinical correlation are necessary to determine the underlying cause.

Homocysteine is an amino acid that is produced during the metabolism of methionine, another amino acid found in dietary proteins. Elevated levels of homocysteine in the blood, known as hyperhomocysteinemia, have been associated with various health conditions, including cardiovascular disease, stroke, and neurodegenerative disorders. While the exact mechanisms linking homocysteine and these conditions are still being investigated, inflammation is believed to play a role in this relationship.

Inflammation can contribute to the elevation of homocysteine levels through several pathways. One mechanism is the activation of the immune system. Inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines, can induce changes in the metabolism of homocysteine, leading to increased production or decreased clearance of this amino acid. In addition, inflammatory processes can disrupt the normal functioning of enzymes involved in homocysteine metabolism, leading to elevated levels.

Homocysteine itself can also induce inflammation. High levels of homocysteine can promote oxidative stress, which refers to an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body’s ability to neutralize them. ROS can damage cells and tissues, triggering an inflammatory response. Homocysteine can also impair the function of endothelial cells that line blood vessels, leading to vascular inflammation and dysfunction.

Inflammation and homocysteine can create a vicious cycle. On one hand, inflammation can contribute to increased homocysteine levels. On the other hand, elevated homocysteine can further promote inflammation and oxidative stress, perpetuating the inflammatory response.

Chronic inflammation and elevated homocysteine levels are both associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. Inflammation can contribute to the development and progression of atherosclerosis, the buildup of plaque in the arteries, while homocysteine can directly damage blood vessels and promote clot formation. These factors can lead to the narrowing of arteries and the formation of blood clots, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.

It is important to note that while inflammation and homocysteine are linked, the relationship between them is complex and multifactorial. Other factors, such as genetics, lifestyle, and underlying health conditions, can also influence homocysteine levels and inflammation. Managing inflammation and maintaining a balanced homocysteine level may involve lifestyle modifications, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and, in some cases, supplementation with B vitamins (folate, vitamin B12, and vitamin B6), which are involved in homocysteine metabolism.

When a wound swells up, turns red and hurts, it may be a sign of inflammation. Very generally speaking, inflammation is the body’s immune system’s response to an irritant. The irritant might be a germ, but it could also be a foreign object, such as a splinter in your finger.

This means that an inflammation doesn’t only start when, for instance, a wound has already been infected by bacteria, is oozing pus or healing poorly. It already starts when the body is trying to fight against the harmful irritant.

Many different things can cause inflammations. These are the most common:

• Pathogens (germs) like bacteria, viruses or fungi
• External injuries like scrapes or damage through foreign objects (for example a thorn in your finger)
• Effects of chemicals or radiation

Diseases or medical conditions that cause inflammation often have a name ending in “-itis.” For example:

• Cystitis: an inflammation of the bladder
• Bronchitis: an inflammation of the bronchi
• Otitis media: an inflammation of the middle ear
• Dermatitis: a disease where the skin is inflamed

There are five symptoms that may be signs of an acute inflammation:

• Redness
• Heat
• Swelling
• Pain
• Loss of function

Examples of a loss of function include not being able to move an inflamed joint properly, having a worse sense of smell during a cold, or finding it more difficult to breathe when you have bronchitis.

Inflammations don’t always cause all five symptoms. Some inflammations occur “silently” and don’t cause any symptoms.

If the inflammation is severe, it can cause general reactions in the body. These may include the following signs and symptoms:

• Generally feeling ill, exhaustion and fever. These are signs that the immune system is very active and needs a lot of energy, which may be lacking for other activities. If the rate of metabolism is higher due to a fever, more antibodies and cells of the immune system can be produced.
• Changes in the blood, such as an increased number of immune system cells.

A very rare but dangerous complication of an infection is called septicemia (blood poisoning). The possible signs of this complication include chills, feeling very ill, and a very high fever.

Septicemia may occur if bacteria multiply quickly in a certain part of the body and then a lot of them suddenly enter the bloodstream. This can happen if the body isn’t able to fight the infection locally, if the germs are very aggressive, or if the immune system is very weak. Septicemia is a medical emergency and needs to be treated by a doctor as soon as possible.

When an inflammation occurs in your body, many different immune system cells may be involved. They release various substances, known as inflammatory mediators. These include the hormones bradykinin and histamine. They cause the small blood vessels in the tissue to become wider (dilate), allowing more blood to reach the injured tissue. For this reason, inflamed areas turn red and feel hot.

The increased blood flow also allows more immune system cells to be carried to the injured tissue, where they help with the healing process. What’s more, both of these hormones irritate nerves and cause pain signals to be sent to the brain. This has a protective function: If the inflammation hurts, you tend to protect the affected part of the body.

The inflammatory mediators have yet another function: They make it easier for immune system cells to pass out of the small blood vessels, so that more of them can enter the affected tissue. The immune system cells also cause more fluid to enter the inflamed tissue, which is why it often swells up. The swelling goes down again after a while, when this fluid is transported out of the tissue.

Mucous membranes also release more fluid when they are inflamed. For instance, this happens when you have a stuffy nose and the membranes lining your nose are inflamed. Then the extra fluid can help to quickly flush the viruses out of your body.

Inflammations don’t always help the body. In some diseases the immune system fights against the body’s own cells by mistake, causing harmful inflammations. These include, for example:

• Rheumatoid arthritis, where many joints throughout the body are permanently inflamed
• Psoriasis – a chronic skin disease
• Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis

Collectively known as chronic inflammatory diseases, these diseases can last for years or even a lifetime. Their severity and level of activity varies.

SST tube of blood, serum

24 – 72 hours

Price: $149