Ulta Lab Tests

Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation is a long-lasting immune response that can affect the heart, joints, metabolism, gut, skin, and more. Because fatigue, aches, low mood, and flares can mimic many conditions, inflammation blood tests help sort out what’s going on and where to look next.

A proactive approach starts with core inflammatory markers—high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), CRP, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and a CBC—and then layers context tests such as ferritin, fibrinogen, albumin, and autoimmune screens (e.g., ANA, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP, complement C3/C4) when symptoms suggest. These labs support screening, diagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s evaluation, imaging, or emergency care for severe symptoms.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Whole-body: persistent fatigue, low energy, poor sleep, low-grade fevers, night sweats

  • Muscles & joints: morning stiffness, swollen/tender joints, tendon pain, recurring back pain

  • Heart & metabolism: central weight gain, high triglycerides, insulin resistance, elevated blood pressure

  • Skin & mucosa: rashes, photosensitivity, mouth ulcers, psoriasis, eczema

  • Gut & liver: abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, bloating, abnormal liver enzymes

  • Labs already abnormal: high platelets, anemia of chronic disease, elevated ferritin without iron overload

  • When to seek urgent care: chest pain, severe shortness of breath, one-sided weakness, confusion, black or bloody stools, or rapidly worsening symptoms

Symptoms require evaluation by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Detect and quantify systemic or low-grade inflammation (hs-CRP/CRP, ESR, fibrinogen)

  • Differentiate likely causes by pairing inflammatory markers with autoimmune panels, iron studies, CBC, and complements

  • Track trends to support follow-up decisions once you and your clinician set a plan

What testing cannot do

  • Provide a specific diagnosis from one abnormal value

  • Replace imaging, procedures, or specialist evaluation when indicated

  • Stand in for medical advice or treatment decisions

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • hs-CRP / CRP: proteins that rise with inflammation; hs-CRP also refines cardiometabolic risk when measured in a steady state. Exercise, infections, and injury can raise values temporarily.

  • ESR: indirect measure of inflammation; slower to change than CRP and affected by age, anemia, and pregnancy.

  • Ferritin: iron-storage protein and acute-phase reactant; high may reflect inflammation or iron overload, lowsupports iron deficiency.

  • Fibrinogen: clotting factor that increases with inflammation and can track activity in some disorders.

  • Albumin / Prealbumin: negative acute-phase reactants that often fall with chronic inflammation, illness, or malnutrition.

  • CBC with Differential & Platelets: neutrophils/lymphocytes for infection/inflammation clues; thrombocytosiscan be inflammatory.

  • Autoimmune markers (as indicated): ANA with reflex panel (e.g., dsDNA, ENA), rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-CCP, complement C3/C4—supportive for lupus, Sjögren’s, mixed connective-tissue disease, and rheumatoid arthritis.

  • Metabolic context: A1c/glucose, lipids (± ApoB), LFTs, creatinine/eGFR—inflammation often travels with metabolic risk.

  • Uric Acid: elevated in gout and metabolic conditions; interpret with symptoms.

  • Targeted adds (when suggested by symptoms): fecal calprotectin (GI inflammation/IBD), vitamin D, TSH(fatigue/mood overlap).

Quick Build Guide

Clinical goal Start with Add if needed
General inflammation screen hs-CRP • ESR • CBC • CMP (albumin) Ferritin • Fibrinogen
Cardiometabolic risk refinement hs-CRP (steady state, ×2) • Lipid panel • A1c ApoB • Lp(a)
Autoimmune-type symptoms (rash/joint pain) CRP/ESR • CBC ANA w/ reflex • RF • anti-CCP • C3/C4 • LFTs
Arthritis/inflamed joints CRP/ESR • CBC RF • anti-CCP • Uric acid • ANA reflex
Anemia with suspected inflammation CRP/ESR • CBC Ferritin • Iron/TIBC • Transferrin sat • Reticulocyte count
Chronic GI complaints CRP • CBC Fecal calprotectin (GI category) • Celiac serology
Unexplained elevated ferritin Ferritin • CRP/ESR • CBC Iron/TIBC • Transferrin sat • LFTs

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Pick your starting panel: choose a core set (hs-CRP/CRP, ESR, CBC, albumin) based on your goals.

  2. Prepare for accuracy: avoid strenuous exercise and acute illness when testing hs-CRP for risk assessment; list all medications and supplements (e.g., NSAIDs, statins).

  3. Provide samples: a standard blood draw (stool only if GI inflammation testing like calprotectin is added). No routine fasting unless lipid/glucose tests are included.

  4. Get results securely: most values post within a few days.

  5. Review with your clinician: align labs with symptoms, exam, and—if needed—imaging or specialist testing; set a trend plan.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • CRP/hs-CRP elevated: supports active inflammation; repeat once you’re well if drawn during illness.

  • ESR elevated: supportive but nonspecific; slow to normalize after recovery.

  • Ferritin high: can reflect inflammation or iron overload—check iron panel for context.

  • Albumin low / fibrinogen high: pattern consistent with chronic inflammatory activity or illness burden.

  • Autoimmune markers positive: strengthen suspicion for specific rheumatologic diseases when symptoms match.

  • Normal markers: do not rule out disease—some conditions flare intermittently or affect organs without large CRP/ESR changes.
    Always interpret results with a qualified healthcare professional; patterns and trends matter more than single values.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational set (most adults): hs-CRP • ESR • CBC • CMP (albumin)

  • Autoimmune work-up: add ANA w/ reflex panel, RF, anti-CCP, C3/C4 based on symptoms.

  • Cardiometabolic focus: pair hs-CRP with lipids/A1c (± ApoB) in a steady state.

  • Iron/fatigue focus: Ferritin + iron/TIBC + transferrin saturation with CRP/ESR to separate iron deficiency from inflammatory elevation.

  • GI focus: CRP plus fecal calprotectin (GI category) for suspected IBD.

FAQs

Do I need to fast for inflammation tests?
Not for CRP, ESR, ferritin, fibrinogen, or autoimmune markers. Fast only if your order includes lipids or glucose/A1c per instructions.

What’s the difference between CRP and hs-CRP?
They measure the same protein. hs-CRP detects lower levels useful for cardiometabolic risk; CRP is used for general inflammation and flares.

Can exercise or a cold raise my CRP?
Yes. Acute infection, injury, and hard workouts can spike CRP. For baseline risk testing, draw when you’re well and avoid intense exercise for 24–48 hours.

My ferritin is high—do I have iron overload?
Not always. Ferritin rises with inflammation. Use iron/TIBC/transferrin saturation to distinguish inflammation from iron overload.

If my ANA is positive, do I have lupus?
ANA can be positive in healthy people. It must be interpreted with symptoms and reflex antibodies.

How often should I retest?
Commonly 3–6 months for trend monitoring, or sooner during flares—follow your clinician’s plan.

Can these tests tell if I need medication?
No. They inform decisions but do not set treatment. Discuss results with your clinician.

Related Categories & Key Tests

  • Inflammation Tests Hub

  • Autoimmune & Rheumatologic Tests • Cardiovascular Risk & Cholesterol • Diabetes & Metabolic Health • Digestive Health (IBD) • Infectious Disease Panels

  • Key Tests: hs-CRP • CRP • ESR • Ferritin • Fibrinogen • Albumin/Prealbumin • CBC with Differential • ANA (with reflex panel) • Rheumatoid Factor • Anti-CCP • Complement C3/C4 • Iron/TIBC/Transferrin Saturation • Lipid Panel (± ApoB) • A1c/Glucose • Uric Acid • Fecal Calprotectin (GI)

References

  • American Heart Association/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — Scientific statement on hs-CRP and cardiovascular risk assessment.
  • American College of Rheumatology — Guidance on use of ESR/CRP and autoantibodies in rheumatic disease evaluation.
  • European League Against Rheumatism — Recommendations for monitoring inflammatory rheumatic diseases.
  • World Health Organization — Ferritin and iron assessment in the presence of inflammation.
  • National Institutes of Health — Inflammation biology and acute-phase reactants overview.
  • Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute — Best practices for CRP/ESR measurement and interpretation.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Chronic Inflammation Tests menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Use filters to build a foundational panel (hs-CRP/CRP, ESR, CBC, albumin), add ferritin/fibrinogen for context, and include autoimmune markers or iron studies based on symptoms. If GI inflammation is suspected, pair with fecal calprotectin from the Digestive Health category. Review results with your clinician to plan follow-up and trend monitoring.

All About Chronic Inflammation and Lab Testing

Inflammation is typically a normal part of the healing process. The process of inflammation activates your immune system and helps your body rid itself of toxins or pathogens that pose a threat. It can also prompt your body to repair damaged tissues. Acute inflammation is easily recognizable because of the short-term effects, but chronic inflammation often occurs at a low, consistent level that makes it almost undetectable without testing.

About Chronic Inflammation

Chronic inflammation occurs when your body continually reacts to some internal or external stressor by maintaining a low-grade immune response. Chronic inflammation can cause a breakdown in immune tolerance. Immune tolerance is your body’s ability to recognize certain substances as safe and non-threatening. Damaging your immune tolerance can cause your body to treat safe substances or objects like healthy cells as threats and attack them needlessly. 

Another side effect of chronic inflammation is an impaired immune system that can’t respond adequately to threats like viruses and bacteria. Since vaccines are meant to trigger an immune response, a weak immune system makes vaccinations less effective.

Risk Factors and Causes of Chronic Inflammation

Aging

To a certain extent, aging is an almost unavoidable risk factor for chronic inflammation. Cell senescence, the permanent end of a cell’s growth and ability to reproduce that occurs as people age, triggers the production of certain proteins linked to inflammation. However, there are also many lifestyle factors that put people at risk of developing chronic inflammation.

Diet

Research shows that diseases related to chronic inflammation, such as cardiovascular disease, cancer, and diabetes, are more common in Westernized countries than those that have more unprocessed and raw diets. Inflammatory diets that include large amounts of red meat, processed food, refined sugars, and high fructose corn syrup put individuals at risk of increased inflammation. 

A Sedentary Lifestyle

A processed, refined diet is one risk factor and cause of inflammation, but a lack of physical activity is also a cause. One small study found that people that were physically active had a lower circulation of inflammatory proteins and cholesterol than inactive people. 

Environmental Factors

In some cases, environmental factors can cause chronic inflammation. Toxic chemicals can irritate and cause inflammation in certain parts of the body, like the throat or skin. Smoking is a known risk factor for inflammation, but consistent exposure to secondhand smoke can also have a similar effect.

Oxidative Stress

Physical inactivity and a poor diet can put oxidative stress on your body. Oxidative stress is defined as an imbalance of oxidants and antioxidants in the body. Some oxidants that interact harmfully with other molecules and cause cell death and damaged proteins are called reactive oxygen species. Oxidants are normally released during acute inflammation, but chronic inflammation causes a buildup of these molecules that the body can’t adequately eliminate. A diet that’s low in antioxidants means a person can’t fight oxidative stress. 

Signs and Symptoms of Chronic Inflammation

The signs and symptoms of chronic inflammation are often almost unnoticeable because of their subtlety. If a person’s chronic inflammation has contributed to a disease like osteoporosis or cardiovascular disease, they may notice symptoms related to that disease and its progression.

Someone with chronic inflammation might have no visible symptoms. With lab testing, however, you can find invisible signs of chronic inflammation.

Lab Tests for Chronic Inflammation

Lab tests for chronic inflammation measure your blood's levels of certain inflammation markers by running your sample through a series of tests. One of these is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate or sed rate test. This test can indirectly determine your body’s current inflammatory response to stressors like a disease.

One sign of inflammation may be raised levels of C-reactive protein (CRP). The C-Reactive protein (CRP) test measures the amount of this protein, which is made by the liver. An increase in CRP levels in a person's bloodstream can indicate a condition that causes inflammation. A CRP test can detect inflammation caused by acute conditions and can help monitor the severity of disease in chronic conditions.

Chronic inflammation tests might also test for lipids like cholesterol, iron, and uric acid. These tests are the best way to determine your body’s inflammation. 

FAQs

How Can You Tell If You Have Chronic Inflammation?

The best way to tell if you have chronic inflammation is through a test. Symptoms can be undetectable and you may not feel any different. If you have inflammatory conditions related to chronic inflammation, like Crohn's Disease or ulcerative colitis, the symptoms of this disease are signs of inflammation.

How Do You Stop Chronic Inflammation?

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce chronic inflammation. Increasing your physical activity and adopting a diet similar to the ones found in the Mediterranean region are two ways to support the anti-inflammatory process. Eating foods rich in antioxidants can help fend off oxidative stress, which can be a cause of inflammation.

Is There A Test for Chronic Inflammation?

Yes, Ulta Lab Tests offers tests for chronic inflammation that examine a number of substances in the blood, including gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), lipids, iron and C-reactive protein. Our chronic inflammation test also includes antinuclear antibody, CBC, SED rate, comprehensive metabolic panel and rheumatoid factor tests.  

Benefits of Chronic Inflammation Testing with Ulta Lab Tests

Ulta Lab Tests offers highly accurate and reliable tests so you can make informed decisions about your health.

  • Secure and confidential results
  • No insurance or doctor's referral is needed
  • Affordable pricing
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee

Our chronic inflammation tests can help you determine your risk factor for illnesses associated with inflammation and give you another tool to stop the progression of inflammation before it becomes severe. Order your chronic inflammation lab tests today, and your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take control of your health today with Ulta Lab Tests.