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: ANA, ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern IFA, ANA with Reflux
Also known as: C-Reactive Protein, CReactive Protein CRP, CRP
Also known as: CK (Total), CPK, CPK (Total), Creatine Kinase CK Total, Creatine Phosphokinase (CPK), Total CK
Also known as: Homocysteine, Homocysteine Cardiovascular
Also known as: ESR, SED RATE, Sed Rate by Modified Westergren ESR
Also known as: Serum Urate, UA
The Inflammation Lab Panel panel contains 6 tests with 6 biomarkers.
Brief Description: The Inflammation Lab Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool designed to assess various biomarkers related to inflammation within the body. This panel helps to identify underlying causes of inflammation, monitor the status of inflammatory diseases, and guide the treatment of various autoimmune, infectious, and metabolic conditions. By evaluating a combination of specific tests, this panel provides valuable insights into the overall inflammatory state, helping healthcare providers develop effective management strategies for their patients.
Collection Method: Blood Draw
Specimen Type: Serum
Test Preparation: No preparation required
The Inflammation Lab Panel is typically ordered when a patient presents symptoms suggestive of an inflammatory or autoimmune disorder, such as joint pain, fatigue, fever, and unexplained weight loss. It is also used to monitor disease progression or response to treatment in patients with known inflammatory conditions. This panel is crucial for diagnosing diseases where inflammation plays a key role and ensuring that appropriate therapeutic measures are taken to address these complex disorders.
Each test within the panel provides specific information about different aspects of the body's inflammatory response:
ANA Screen IFA with Reflex to Titer and Pattern IFA: This test detects antinuclear antibodies, which are often present in individuals with autoimmune disorders. A positive ANA test can lead to further testing to determine the specific pattern and titer, helping to pinpoint the type of autoimmune disease.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP): CRP is a protein that increases in the blood with inflammation and infections. Elevated CRP levels can indicate acute inflammation or chronic diseases.
Creatine Kinase Total: This enzyme is found in the heart, brain, skeletal muscle, and other tissues. High levels can indicate muscle damage, which can be due to various causes, including muscular diseases, physical injury, or chronic inflammation.
Homocysteine: Elevated homocysteine levels can suggest a risk of cardiovascular diseases and are also associated with vitamin B12 deficiency, which can lead to inflammatory conditions.
Sed Rate (ESR): The sedimentation rate is a test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube in one hour. It is used to detect inflammation associated with conditions such as infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases.
Uric Acid: Uric acid is produced from the natural breakdown of your body's cells and from the foods you eat. High levels can lead to gout, a form of arthritis that causes severe pain and swelling.
This panel is instrumental in diagnosing and managing conditions such as:
Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma can be suggested by a positive ANA test and supported by abnormal CRP and ESR levels.
Inflammatory Diseases: Chronic inflammatory states such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and temporal arteritis are typically associated with high CRP and ESR levels.
Muscle Inflammation and Damage: Elevated creatine kinase levels can diagnose conditions like polymyositis or muscular dystrophy.
Gout and Kidney Stones: High uric acid levels are crucial for diagnosing gout and can also indicate kidney stones or kidney damage.
Healthcare professionals use the results from this panel to:
Diagnose Inflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases: Identifying specific patterns in the test results can help pinpoint the type of inflammation and its possible causes.
Guide Treatment Decisions: Depending on the identified condition, treatments may include anti-inflammatory medications, immune-suppressing drugs, or lifestyle changes.
Monitor Disease Progression and Response to Treatment: Regularly repeating the panel can determine if the condition is improving or worsening and if treatments are effective.
The Inflammation Lab Panel is a vital tool in the diagnosis and management of various diseases where inflammation is a key underlying factor. By providing a detailed profile of inflammatory markers, this panel allows for targeted treatment strategies that can significantly improve patient outcomes. It underscores the importance of a comprehensive approach in understanding and managing inflammatory conditions.
We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.