What are the laboratory tests for inflammation?

Laboratory tests for inflammation can be used to:

* Diagnose inflammatory diseases

* Monitor the severity of inflammatory diseases

* Assess the effectiveness of treatment for inflammatory diseases

Some of the most common laboratory tests for inflammation include:

* C-reactive protein (CRP): CRP is a protein that is produced by the liver in response to inflammation. CRP levels can rise within a few hours of the onset of inflammation and can remain elevated for several days.

* Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR): The ESR is a measure of how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. The ESR can be elevated in inflammation due to an increase in the number of inflammatory proteins in the blood.

* White blood cell count (WBC): The WBC count is a measure of the number of white blood cells in the blood. White blood cells are part of the immune system and their numbers can increase in response to inflammation.

* Interleukins: Interleukins are proteins that are produced by white blood cells and other cells in response to inflammation. Interleukin levels can be elevated in inflammation.

* Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha): TNF-alpha is a protein that is produced by macrophages and other cells in response to inflammation. TNF-alpha levels can be elevated in inflammation.

Other laboratory tests that may be used to diagnose or monitor inflammatory diseases include:

* Blood culture: A blood culture can be used to identify bacteria or fungi that are causing inflammation.

* Urinalysis: A urinalysis can be used to detect signs of inflammation in the urinary tract.

* Fecal occult blood test: A fecal occult blood test can be used to detect blood in the stool, which can be a sign of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

* Imaging studies: Imaging studies, such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI scans, can be used to visualize inflammation and to assess the extent of tissue damage.

The specific laboratory tests that are ordered for a patient will depend on the suspected cause of inflammation and the patient's symptoms.