Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around time: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of silent inflammation before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive screening for cardiovascular and autoimmune disease risk
- Convenient testing with no doctor visit or insurance pre-approval required
- Private results delivered through secure online portal
- Actionable insights to guide preventive health decisions
- Cost-effective monitoring for chronic inflammatory conditions
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or recurring symptoms
- Individuals with family history of heart disease or autoimmune conditions
- People seeking baseline health assessment for preventive care
- Those managing chronic inflammatory or autoimmune conditions
- Health-conscious individuals monitoring wellness markers over time
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Schedule your blood draw at a partnered lab location
- Get tested – Quick blood collection at your chosen lab facility
- Review results – Access detailed results through your secure online portal
FAQ
What does this panel measure? C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Homocysteine, and HbA1c to assess inflammation, cardiovascular risk, and blood sugar control.
Do I need to fast before testing? No fasting is required for this inflammatory panel.
How accurate are the results? Uses validated clinical assays with 70-90% sensitivity for detecting active inflammatory states (Mayo Clinic 2024).
What if my results are abnormal? Elevated markers indicate inflammation but aren't specific to one condition—follow up with your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Can I use this to monitor existing conditions? Yes, this panel is ideal for tracking inflammatory markers in chronic conditions over time.
How often should I retest? Every 3-6 months for active monitoring, or annually for preventive wellness screening.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel screens for key biomarkers related to inflammation and autoimmune activity in your body. It detects both acute and chronic inflammation that may be linked to cardiovascular disease, autoimmune disorders, or metabolic dysfunction. The test provides early evidence of underlying health issues, often before symptoms become apparent (CDC 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
Anyone experiencing persistent fatigue, joint pain, or unexplained symptoms should consider this screening. It's particularly valuable for individuals with family history of autoimmune diseases, heart disease, or diabetes. Health-conscious people seeking proactive wellness monitoring also benefit from establishing baseline inflammatory markers (American College of Rheumatology 2024).
When should I order this panel?
Order this test if you have ongoing unexplained symptoms, family risk factors, or want to establish a wellness baseline. It's also recommended for monitoring known chronic conditions or assessing cardiovascular risk. Consider testing if you've made significant lifestyle changes and want to measure their impact on inflammation levels.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results will show whether each biomarker falls within normal or elevated ranges. Here's what the key markers indicate:
CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
- Normal Range: <3.0 mg/L
- What Elevation Means: Active inflammation or infection
Homocysteine
- Normal Range: <15 μmol/L
- What Elevation Means: Increased cardiovascular risk
HbA1c (Hemoglobin A1c)
- Normal Range: <5.7%
- What Elevation Means: Indicates risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes
Early intervention after positive inflammation markers can reduce healthcare costs by $2,000 annually per patient (CDC 2023).
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 special preparation is needed for this panel. Continue taking your regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your healthcare provider. Stay hydrated and wear comfortable clothing for easy blood draw access.
How often should I get tested?
- Active inflammatory condition: Every 3–6 months
- Cardiovascular risk monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- Preventive wellness screening: Annually
- Post-treatment monitoring: As directed by provider
Why early detection matters
Approximately 23.5 million Americans are affected by autoimmune diseases, with incidence rising annually (NIH 2023). Systemic low-grade inflammation doubles cardiovascular event risk, but early detection through CRP testing can reduce risk by up to 20% with appropriate lifestyle changes (AHA 2024). Identifying inflammation before symptoms appear enables proactive intervention and better long-term health outcomes.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel – Provides additional context on organ function and metabolic health for a complete clinical picture.
Lipid Panel – Offers additional cardiovascular risk insights often linked to systemic inflammation.
Vitamin D Test – Low vitamin D levels can contribute to chronic inflammation and autoimmune dysfunction.
