Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (serum)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 3–6 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive inflammation assessment — Measures multiple glycosylated proteins for stable, reliable results
- More predictive than hsCRP — Offers lower variability and stronger cardiovascular risk prediction
- No fasting required — Simple blood draw with convenient sample collection
- Early risk detection — Identifies hidden inflammation linked to heart disease and chronic conditions
- Monitor treatment progress — Track inflammation changes over time with consistent biomarker
- Direct access convenience — Order without doctor referral; receive confidential results in secure online account
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults seeking to assess cardiovascular disease risk through inflammation monitoring
- Individuals managing chronic inflammatory conditions like diabetes or autoimmune diseases
- People with cardiovascular risk factors wanting preventive health insights
- Those experiencing unexplained fatigue or symptoms suggesting systemic inflammation
- Anyone following anti-inflammatory treatment plans or lifestyle interventions
- Health-conscious individuals pursuing proactive inflammation tracking
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order your test — Purchase online without a doctor's order; receive lab requisition immediately
- Visit a lab — Get a simple blood draw at any partnering lab location
- Get results — Receive confidential results within 3-6 days.
FAQ
What does GlycA measure? GlycA measures a composite signal from glycosylated acute-phase proteins using proton NMR spectroscopy, providing a stable indicator of systemic inflammation.
How is GlycA different from hsCRP? GlycA offers greater stability with lower variability than hsCRP and provides a more comprehensive inflammation assessment (NHLBI 2020).
Do I need to fast before this test? No fasting is required. Standard blood draw procedures apply for sample collection.
How soon will I get my results? Turnaround times vary by laboratory but are generally designed for timely outpatient use, typically within days.
Can medications affect my GlycA levels? Some anti-inflammatory medications may influence results. Inform your lab about current medications when testing.
Should I retest GlycA regularly? Repeat testing periodically or as your healthcare provider advises helps monitor inflammation changes over time.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The GlycA Blood Test measures systemic inflammation by detecting glycosylated acute-phase proteins—including α1-acid glycoprotein and haptoglobin—in your blood. Using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, this test provides a composite inflammation marker that's more stable and comprehensive than traditional biomarkers like high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP).
Chronic inflammation plays a significant role in cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and other serious health conditions. GlycA helps identify hidden inflammatory processes before they progress, enabling earlier intervention. Elevated GlycA levels are associated with 1.5 to 2 times higher risk of cardiovascular events (NHLBI 2020). This test offers valuable insights for assessing heart disease risk, monitoring chronic inflammatory conditions, and guiding preventive health strategies.
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults seeking proactive health management through direct-access lab services will find GlycA particularly valuable. This test benefits individuals monitoring chronic inflammation, those with cardiovascular risk factors, and people managing inflammatory conditions like diabetes, obesity, or autoimmune diseases.
If you experience unexplained fatigue, persistent joint pain, recurring infections, slow recovery times, or difficulty managing metabolic health, GlycA testing can reveal underlying inflammation. The test also helps patients following anti-inflammatory treatment plans evaluate intervention effectiveness. Chronic inflammation affects approximately 45% of cardiovascular disease risk profiles in U.S. adults (CDC 2023), making this test relevant for widespread preventive health screening.
When should I order a GlycA Blood Test?
Consider ordering this test when assessing cardiovascular disease risk, tracking inflammation in chronic illnesses, or seeking preventive health insights. Specific situations include:
- Presence of cardiovascular risk factors requiring inflammation assessment
- Managing conditions like diabetes, arthritis, or metabolic syndrome
- Experiencing unexplained symptoms suggesting systemic inflammation
- Following anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes or treatment protocols
- Desiring baseline inflammatory status for future health monitoring
- Family history of heart disease or inflammatory conditions
Early detection through GlycA testing can guide preventive measures that reduce heart disease costs, which exceed $200 billion annually in the U.S. (American Heart Association 2023).
How do I interpret the results?
GlycA results indicate your systemic inflammation levels. Lower values suggest minimal inflammation, while higher values indicate increased inflammatory burden requiring clinical attention. Results require interpretation within your complete health context and should always be discussed with your healthcare provider.
- Low/Normal range – Minimal systemic inflammation; maintain healthy lifestyle and consider periodic monitoring
- Moderately elevated – Increased inflammatory burden; evaluate cardiovascular risk and consider lifestyle modifications
- Significantly elevated – High systemic inflammation; clinical review for cardiovascular or inflammatory disease risk and potential treatment adjustment
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting is required for the GlycA Blood Test. Standard blood draw procedures apply. Inform your laboratory about current medications, particularly anti-inflammatory drugs, as they may influence results. Maintain your usual diet and medication routine unless your healthcare provider advises otherwise.
The blood sample is collected via venipuncture at your chosen laboratory or through at-home blood draw kits sent to designated labs. Samples should be shipped promptly to preserve integrity and ensure accurate results.
How often should I get tested?
Retesting frequency depends on your health status, risk factors, and treatment goals. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized recommendations.
- Baseline screening (low risk) – Every 1–2 years or as recommended
- Cardiovascular risk monitoring – Every 6–12 months
- Active inflammatory condition management – Every 3–6 months or as treatment adjusted
- Post-lifestyle intervention tracking – 3–6 months after changes implemented
Why early detection matters
Identifying elevated inflammation early allows timely intervention before serious complications develop. Chronic systemic inflammation contributes to cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and numerous other health conditions. GlycA's stability and comprehensive nature make it especially valuable for detecting risks that might be missed by traditional markers.
Early detection enables targeted lifestyle modifications—including anti-inflammatory diet, regular exercise, and smoking cessation—that significantly reduce inflammation. Managing chronic conditions like diabetes or obesity aggressively, guided by GlycA monitoring, helps prevent cardiovascular events and improves long-term health outcomes. Given that cardiovascular disease costs exceed $200 billion annually in the U.S., early inflammation detection represents both personal health protection and healthcare cost reduction (American Heart Association 2023).
Related tests you may consider
High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hsCRP) Test — Provides additional inflammatory risk assessment; complements GlycA for comprehensive cardiovascular evaluation
Lipoprotein Particle Profile (NMR Lipoprofile) — Assesses cholesterol particle numbers and sizes alongside GlycA for complete heart disease risk assessment
Hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) Test — Evaluates blood sugar control; diabetes management relates to inflammation and cardiovascular risk
