Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required
- Turn-around time: 2–3 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Early detection of cardiovascular and autoimmune risks before symptoms appear
- Comprehensive inflammation screening with high-sensitivity markers like hs-CRP and A1c
- No prescription required - order online and test at your convenience
- Monitor treatment progress for chronic inflammatory conditions over time
- Cost-effective prevention compared to emergency healthcare interventions
Who Is This Test For?
- Adults with unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or persistent swelling
- Individuals with family history of heart disease or autoimmune conditions
- People managing diabetes, arthritis, or other inflammatory disorders
- Health-conscious individuals seeking preventive cardiovascular screening
- Those experiencing digestive issues, recurring fever, or swollen glands
- Anyone wanting to assess their body's inflammatory response
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - No doctor's visit required, choose your convenient lab location
- Visit the lab - Quick blood draw at certified facilities nationwide
- Get results - Secure online portal within 2-3 days
FAQ
What does this panel measure? Seven key inflammatory markers including hs-CRP, A1c, lipoprotein(a), homocysteine, fibrinogen, insulin, and lipase.
How accurate is inflammation testing? hs-CRP testing shows over 90% sensitivity for detecting cardiovascular-linked inflammation (Harvard Health 2024).
Can I use this to monitor existing conditions? Yes, tracking these markers helps assess treatment response and disease progression (Arthritis Foundation 2025).
What if my results are abnormal? Elevated levels may indicate inflammation, infection, or increased disease risk - consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation.
Is fasting really necessary? Yes, 8-12 hours fasting ensures accurate A1c and insulin measurements for reliable results.
How often should I repeat this test? Frequency depends on your risk factors and health status - typically every 6-12 months for monitoring.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel screens for inflammation throughout your body by measuring six critical biomarkers. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) detects subtle inflammatory changes linked to cardiovascular disease, while A1c reveals average blood sugar over 2-3 months (Cleveland Clinic 2025). Additional markers like homocysteine, fibrinogen, and lipoprotein(a) provide insights into blood clotting, heart disease risk, and metabolic function.
Who would benefit from this test?
Adults with chronic inflammatory symptoms, family history of autoimmune diseases, or cardiovascular risk factors gain valuable insights from this panel. It's particularly useful for people with unexplained fatigue, joint pain, or digestive issues that may indicate underlying inflammation (Harvard Health 2024). Those managing diabetes, heart disease, or arthritis can monitor their condition's progression and treatment effectiveness.
When should I order Inflammatory #2 Essential Blood Test Panel?
Order this test if you experience persistent symptoms like joint pain, swelling, fatigue, or digestive problems. It's also valuable for preventive screening in high-risk individuals or those with family history of inflammatory diseases. Consider testing before starting new treatments, during medication adjustments, or as part of regular health monitoring (Arthritis Foundation 2025).
How do I interpret the results?
Your results include reference ranges and physician interpretation to guide next steps. Here's what A1c levels typically mean:
HbA1c below 5.7%
- What it means: Normal glucose levels
- Typical action: Continue healthy lifestyle
HbA1c 5.7% – 6.4%
- What it means: Prediabetes risk
- Typical action: Lifestyle changes, monitor closely
HbA1c 6.5% or higher
- What it means: Diabetes range
- Typical action: Medical evaluation and treatment
Approximately 23% of U.S. adults show evidence of chronic inflammation, significantly increasing disease risk.
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
Fast for 8-12 hours before your blood draw, drinking only water during this period. Continue taking prescribed medications unless your doctor advises otherwise. Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before testing, as it may temporarily elevate inflammatory markers. Schedule your appointment for morning hours when possible for consistent fasting duration.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your individual circumstances and risk factors:
- Healthy adults (prevention): Every 1–2 years
- High cardiovascular risk: Every 6–12 months
- Chronic inflammatory conditions: Every 3–6 months
- Diabetes management: Every 3–6 months
- Treatment monitoring: As directed by physician
Why early detection matters
Early identification of inflammation can reduce heart disease risk by up to 40% through timely intervention and lifestyle modifications. Chronic inflammation affects an estimated 24 million Americans with autoimmune diseases, many remaining undiagnosed for years. Detecting elevated inflammatory markers before symptoms develop allows for preventive measures that improve long-term health outcomes and reduce healthcare costs.
Related tests you may consider
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) - Evaluates kidney and liver function alongside inflammatory markers for complete health assessment.
Arthritis #1 Baseline Blood Test Panel - Identifies specific autoimmune conditions causing chronic inflammation.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) - Reveals infection or immune system abnormalities contributing to inflammation.
