What happens after I get my results?

You'll receive detailed doctor notes in simple language explaining what your inflammation levels mean and whether they suggest infection, injury, or chronic inflammatory conditions. These notes include personalized recommendations like lifestyle changes to reduce inflammation, dietary suggestions, or whether you should follow up with a specialist. You'll also get the standard lab report and can track your inflammation levels over time using our trends feature to see if your interventions are working.

Who should consider getting this test?

This test is ideal for people experiencing unexplained fever, persistent joint pain, muscle aches, or fatigue that could indicate an inflammatory condition. It's also valuable for those monitoring known autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, or anyone with symptoms suggesting a hidden infection. Your doctor may also order this test to assess disease severity or track how well treatment is working.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include persistent joint pain or stiffness, unexplained fever, ongoing fatigue, muscle aches, or swelling that doesn't go away. You might also experience weight loss, night sweats, or general feelings of being unwell. If you have these symptoms without a clear cause, this test can help identify if inflammation is playing a role.

How can I naturally reduce inflammation in my body?

Focus on an anti-inflammatory diet rich in fruits, vegetables, fatty fish, nuts, and olive oil while reducing processed foods, sugar, and refined carbs. Regular exercise, quality sleep (7-9 hours), and stress management through meditation or yoga can significantly lower inflammation. Consider adding turmeric, ginger, and omega-3 supplements after consulting with a healthcare provider, and maintain a healthy weight as excess body fat promotes inflammation.

What is sed rate and why does it matter?

Sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measures how quickly your red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. When inflammation is present in your body, proteins in your blood cause red blood cells to clump together and settle faster, resulting in a higher sed rate. This simple test helps detect and monitor inflammatory conditions, infections, and autoimmune diseases, though it's nonspecific and usually paired with other tests for diagnosis.

What does a high sed rate mean?

A high sed rate indicates there's inflammation somewhere in your body, though it doesn't pinpoint the exact cause or location. Common causes include infections, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, inflammatory bowel disease, or even some cancers. Your doctor will consider your symptoms and may order additional tests to determine the specific cause and appropriate treatment.

What does a low sed rate mean?

A low or normal sed rate generally means there's no significant inflammation in your body, which is a good sign. However, certain conditions like polycythemia (too many red blood cells) or some blood disorders can artificially lower the sed rate even when inflammation is present. If your symptoms don't match your low result, your doctor may order additional tests to get a complete picture.