Ulta Lab Tests

Inflammation & Immune Activity Panel

Comprehensive inflammation and immune activity panel including hs-CRP, Sed Rate, ferritin, fibrinogen activity (Clauss), and complete blood count with differential and platelets. Designed to assess systemic inflammation, immune response, coagulation patterns, and iron status for a clearer understanding of inflammatory health.

Blood, Serum, Varied
Phlebotomist
There are no preparation instructions.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: CBC, CBC includes Differential and Platelets, CBC/PLT w/DIFF, Complete Blood Count (includes Differential and Platelets)

NOTE: Ulta Lab Tests provides CBC test results from Quest Diagnostics as they are reported. Often, different biomarker results are made available at different time intervals. When reporting the results, Ulta Lab Tests denotes those biomarkers not yet reported as 'pending' for every biomarker the test might report. Only biomarkers Quest Diagnostics observes are incorporated and represented in the final CBC test results provided by Ulta Lab Tests.

Absolute Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Absolute Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Absolute Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Eosinophils

Eosinophils (eos) respond to infections caused by parasites and play a role in allergic reactions (hypersensitivities)

Absolute Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Absolute Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

Absolute Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Absolute Neutrophils

Neutrophils (neu) normally make up the largest number of circulating WBCs. They move into an area of damaged or infected tissue, where they engulf and destroy bacteria or sometimes fungi. Young neutrophils, recently released into circulation, are called bands.

Absolute Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Absolute Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Band Neutrophils (Only Reported If Detected)

Immature forms of neutrophils are called neutrophilic band cells. Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed. Large numbers of immature forms of neutrophils, called neutrophilic band cells, are produced by the bone marrow when the demand is high.

Basophils

Basophils normally constitute 1% or less of the total white blood cell count but may increase or decrease in certain diseases and are thought to be involved in allergic reactions.

Blasts (Only Reported If Detected)

Blasts are immature forms of white blood cells.

Eosinophils

Eosinophils are specialized white blood cells produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they normally make up only 0–6 % of circulating leukocytes. Their cytoplasm is packed with reddish‑orange granules that contain potent enzymes (e.g., major basic protein, eosinophil cationic protein) and inflammatory mediators. When the immune system detects large, multicellular invaders—such as helminth (worm) parasites—eosinophils migrate out of the blood and surround the pathogen, releasing these granule contents to damage the parasite’s outer surface and aid its destruction. Beyond parasite defense, eosinophils act as key orchestras of the allergic response. They accumulate in tissues exposed to allergens (airways in asthma, skin in eczema, GI tract in eosinophilic esophagitis) and secrete cytokines and lipid mediators that amplify inflammation, recruit additional immune cells, and contribute to symptoms like swelling, mucus production, and itching. Because of this pro‑inflammatory role, persistently elevated eosinophil counts—termed eosinophilia—can signal allergic disorders, drug hypersensitivity, or certain autoimmune and malignant conditions. Conversely, counts drop toward zero after glucocorticoid therapy or in acute stress states, reflecting the cells’ sensitivity to hormonal and immune regulation.

Hematocrit

Hematocrit is a blood test that measures the percentage of the volume of whole blood that is made up of red blood cells. This measurement depends on the number of red blood cells and the size of red blood cells.

Hemoglobin

Serum hemoglobin is a blood test that measures the level of free hemoglobin in the liquid part of the blood (the serum). Free hemoglobin is the hemoglobin outside of the red blood cells. Most of the hemoglobin is found inside the red blood cells, not in the serum.

Lymphocytes

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

MCH

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) is a calculation of the average amount of oxygen-carrying hemoglobin inside a red blood cell.

MCHC

Mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) is a calculation of the average percentage of hemoglobin inside a red cell.

MCV

Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) is a measurement of the average size of RBCs.

Metamyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Metamyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Monocytes

Monocytes (mono), similar to neutrophils, move to an area of infection and engulf and destroy bacteria. They are associated more often with chronic rather than acute infections. They are also involved in tissue repair and other functions involving the immune system.

MPV

Mean Platelet Volume (MPV) - When it indicates average size of platelets are small; older platelets are generally smaller than younger ones and a low MPV may mean that a condition is affecting the production of platelets by the bone marrow. When it indicates a high number of larger, younger platelets in the blood; this may be due to the bone marrow producing and releasing platelets rapidly into circulation.

Myelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Myelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

Neutrophils

Neutrophils are a type of white blood cell that is responsible for much of the body's protection against infection. Neutrophils are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream to travel to wherever they are needed.

Nucleated Rbc (Only Reported If Detected)

Nucleated Red Blood Cells (nRBC) ) the presence of NRBCs in the adult blood is usually associated with malignant neoplasms, bone marrow diseases, and other serious disorders.

Platelet Count

A platelet count is a test to measure how many platelets you have in your blood. Platelets help the blood clot. They are smaller than red or white blood cells.

Promyelocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Promyelocytes are immature forms of white blood cells.

RDW

Red cell distribution width (RDW), which may be included in a CBC, is a calculation of the variation in the size of RBCs.

Reactive Lymphocytes (Only Reported If Detected)

Lymphocytes are white blood cells that exist in both the blood and the lymphatic system. They are divided into three types. The B lymphocytes (B cells) are antibody-producing cells that are essential for acquired, antigen-specific immune responses. The second type are T lymphocytes (T cells) some T cells help the body distinguish between "self" and "non-self" antigens while others initiate and control the extent of an immune response, boosting it as needed and then slowing it as the condition resolves. Other types of T cells directly attack and neutralize virus-infected or cancerous cells. The third type are natural killer cells (NK cells) that directly attack and kill abnormal cells such as cancer cells or those infected with a virus.

Red Blood Cell Count

An RBC count is a blood test that tells how many red blood cells (RBCs) you have. RBCs contain hemoglobin, which carries oxygen. How much oxygen your body tissues get depends on how many RBCs you have and how well they work.

White Blood Cell Count

A WBC count is a test to measure the number of white blood cells (WBCs) in the blood. WBCs help fight infections. They are also called leukocytes. There are five major types of white blood cells: basophils, eosinophils, lymphocytes (T cells and B cells), monocytes and neutrophils

Ferritin

Ferritin is a protein found inside cells that stores iron so your body can use it later. A ferritin test indirectly measures the amount of iron in your blood. The amount of ferritin in your blood (serum ferritin level) is directly related to the amount of iron stored in your body.

Also known as: Factor I, Fibrinogen, Fibrinogen Activity Clauss

Fibrinogen Activity,

Fibrinogen is a protein produced by the liver. This protein helps stop bleeding by helping blood clots to form. A blood test can be done to tell how much fibrinogen you have in the blood.

Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, Cardio CRP, Cardio hs-CRP, CRP, High Sensitivity CRP, High-sensitivity C-reactive Protein, High-sensitivity CRP, Highly Sensitive CRP, hsCRP, Ultra-sensitive CRP

Hs Crp

A high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test may be used by itself, in combination with other cardiac risk markers, or in combination with a lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) test that evaluates vascular inflammation. The hs-CRP test accurately detects low concentrations of C-reactive protein to help predict a healthy person's risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). High-sensitivity CRP is promoted by some as a test for determining a person's risk level for CVD, heart attacks, and strokes. The current thinking is that hs-CRP can play a role in the evaluation process before a person develops one of these health problems.

Also known as: ESR, SED RATE, Sed Rate by Modified Westergren ESR

Sed Rate By Modified

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. It actually measures the rate of fall (sedimentation) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a sample of blood.
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The Inflammation & Immune Activity Panel panel contains 5 tests with 37 biomarkers .

A Comprehensive Evaluation of Systemic Inflammation and Immune Response

The Inflammation & Immune Activity Panel is a focused laboratory assessment designed to evaluate markers associated with systemic inflammation, immune activation, and clotting dynamics. Inflammation is a fundamental biological process that plays a central role in immune defense, tissue repair, and response to injury. However, persistent or excessive inflammation may be associated with a wide range of acute and chronic health conditions.

This panel combines High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate or ESR), Ferritin, Fibrinogen Activity (Clauss method), and a Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets. Together, these tests provide a multidimensional view of inflammatory signaling, immune cell activity, iron storage status, and coagulation function.

Because inflammation can present with nonspecific symptoms—such as fatigue, joint discomfort, low-grade fevers, or general malaise—laboratory testing can offer valuable objective insight. This panel is designed to support evaluation of both acute and chronic inflammatory processes by examining complementary biomarkers that reflect different pathways within the immune and inflammatory response.

Unlike a single inflammatory marker, this panel integrates acute-phase reactants, clotting proteins, and cellular immune components into one cohesive profile. The result is a clinically meaningful overview of immune activity that may assist healthcare providers in identifying patterns, guiding further evaluation, and monitoring changes over time.

When and Why Someone Would Order This Panel

Evaluation of Persistent or Unexplained Inflammatory Symptoms

Individuals may consider the Inflammation & Immune Activity Panel when experiencing ongoing symptoms that suggest possible inflammatory or immune system involvement. These symptoms may include fatigue, joint discomfort, muscle aches, low-grade fever, or other signs of systemic inflammation. Because these symptoms are often nonspecific, laboratory evaluation can help provide clarity.

This panel may be appropriate for individuals who:

  • Have unexplained inflammatory symptoms

  • Are being evaluated for autoimmune or rheumatologic conditions

  • Have chronic inflammatory disorders

  • Are monitoring known inflammatory markers

  • Have a family history of inflammatory or immune-related diseases

Monitoring Autoimmune or Rheumatologic Conditions

Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other autoimmune disorders often involve elevated inflammatory markers. Tests such as hs-CRP and Sed Rate are commonly used to monitor inflammatory activity in these conditions. Fibrinogen and ferritin may also reflect acute-phase responses in systemic inflammation.

Cardiometabolic and Vascular Considerations

Chronic low-grade inflammation has been associated with cardiometabolic conditions. Elevated hs-CRP levels, in particular, have been studied in the context of cardiovascular risk assessment. While this panel does not replace cardiovascular-specific testing, it provides insight into inflammatory pathways that may influence vascular health.

Evaluation of Iron and Immune Interaction

Ferritin is both an iron storage protein and an acute-phase reactant. Elevated ferritin levels may reflect inflammation, while low levels may indicate iron deficiency. Assessing ferritin alongside other inflammatory markers helps provide a more comprehensive clinical picture.

Overall, this panel may be ordered as part of a broader evaluation of systemic inflammation, immune activation, or chronic disease monitoring.

What Does the Panel Measure?

High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP)

hs-CRP is a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation produced by the liver in response to inflammatory signaling. It is commonly used to detect low-grade inflammation and may be elevated in infections, autoimmune conditions, and chronic inflammatory states.

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate or ESR)

The Sed Rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube over a defined period. Faster sedimentation can indicate the presence of inflammation. ESR is a traditional marker used in the evaluation of inflammatory and rheumatologic disorders.

Ferritin

Ferritin reflects stored iron levels in the body. It also functions as an acute-phase reactant and may increase during inflammatory states. Interpreting ferritin alongside other inflammatory markers helps differentiate iron deficiency from inflammation-related changes.

Fibrinogen Activity (Clauss Method)

Fibrinogen is a clotting protein produced by the liver. It plays a role in blood coagulation and is also considered an acute-phase reactant. Elevated fibrinogen levels may be associated with inflammatory processes and altered coagulation dynamics.

Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential and Platelets

The CBC evaluates red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelet counts. The differential provides a breakdown of white blood cell subtypes, which may shift during infections, inflammatory responses, or immune activation. Platelet levels may also increase in inflammatory states.

Together, these biomarkers provide complementary insights into immune system activity, inflammatory burden, and hematologic patterns.

How Patients and Healthcare Providers Use the Results

Identifying Active Inflammation

Elevated hs-CRP, Sed Rate, fibrinogen, or ferritin levels may suggest the presence of active inflammation. When interpreted together, these markers can help determine whether inflammation is acute, chronic, or potentially linked to another underlying process.

Supporting Evaluation of Autoimmune and Rheumatologic Conditions

Healthcare providers often use inflammatory markers as part of the evaluation for conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic lupus erythematosus, and other connective tissue disorders. Changes in these markers over time may help assess disease activity or response to treatment.

Monitoring Infection or Acute Illness

Infections can trigger elevations in inflammatory markers and white blood cell counts. The CBC differential may show patterns consistent with bacterial or viral immune responses, providing additional context.

Assessing Iron Status in Inflammatory Context

Ferritin levels may rise in response to inflammation even when iron stores are adequate. By reviewing ferritin alongside hs-CRP and Sed Rate, healthcare providers can better interpret iron status within the context of systemic inflammation.

Evaluating Coagulation-Related Inflammatory Changes

Fibrinogen activity may increase in inflammatory states and can provide additional information about clotting dynamics. This may be clinically relevant in certain inflammatory or cardiovascular risk assessments.

Through integrated interpretation, this panel supports informed clinical decision-making and longitudinal monitoring of inflammatory patterns.

A Structured Approach to Understanding Inflammation and Immune Activity

The Inflammation & Immune Activity Panel offers a comprehensive evaluation of key biomarkers associated with systemic inflammation and immune response. By combining acute-phase reactants, coagulation markers, iron storage assessment, and detailed blood cell analysis, this panel provides a broad yet focused overview of inflammatory activity.

Inflammation plays a central role in many health conditions, from autoimmune disorders to cardiometabolic disease. Objective laboratory data can help clarify whether inflammatory processes are present and how they evolve over time.

This panel supports thoughtful, evidence-based evaluation by integrating multiple complementary markers into one cohesive assessment. When interpreted alongside clinical findings, it helps provide a clearer understanding of immune system activity and inflammatory burden, guiding informed healthcare discussions and long-term monitoring strategies grounded in measurable data.

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