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Diagnostics: Inflammatory Markers

As the name would suggest, inflammatory markers are biological markers of, well, inflammation. They are used clinically to detect pathological inflammation or measure response to treatment. Colloquially, “inflammatory markers” typically refer to laboratory tests that measure specific acute phase proteins (also known as “acute phase reactants”); however, this term is vaguely defined and can encompass any so-called “marker of inflammation,” including the test we commonly describe to patients as exactly that, the white blood cell count (WBC). It is appropriate, then, that such a vague term is associated with equally vague utility in the clinician’s armamentarium. In this post, we will try to…

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Inflammatory Markers

Although there are many inflammatory markers, also known as acute phase reactants, those most commonly measured in clinical practice (and discussed in this topic) are C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and procalcitonin (PCT). PCT is a newer marker of inflammation that may in certain cases identify or exclude bacterial infections and guide antibacterial treatments. 1 2 Because these markers are nonspecific, the tests are not diagnostic for any particular condition, but they may help to identify a generalized inflammatory state along with other tests and aid in the differential diagnosis. In some diseases, serial measurements of CRP also may be of prognostic value.

Inflammatory Markers 101: How To Interpret

Blood tests that can measure inflammation levels in the body are known as inflammatory markers. In order to monitor inflammation in a clinically useful way, these lab tests must be valid and prognostic. It is important to note that inflammatory markers are not diagnostic and must be interpreted alongside symptoms and other lab tests and imaging.

Should you monitor this chronic inflammation marker?

Think twice before getting a C-reactive protein test on your own. Chronic inflammation is the common denominator in many diseases, and you might be tempted to get a blood test to gauge your risk. It’s easy enough: in many states, certain labs will test you for an inflammation marker called C-reactive protein (CRP) without an order from your doctor. Just be careful. Self-ordered CRP tests come with some real pitfalls.

Understand the Optimal Use of Inflammatory Marker Tests

CRP, ESR, and PV are useful inflammatory markers that can be tested to measure a person’s acute-phase response. Inflammatory marker tests are most beneficial when used to detect acute inflammation that would confirm the presence of an already-suspected disease.