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Save a trip to the doctor
Low prices since 2005
Labs within 2 miles
Private, accurate & secure
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Pick the inflammation measurement you want to follow

Each of these answers a different inflammation question — which measurement, and how many.

An inflammation blood test measures substances that change with inflammatory activity, most often C-reactive protein (CRP), high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP), or the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (sed rate). Shoppers compare these options when a clinician has requested a particular measurement, when they want a baseline, or when they are following a prior result. CRP and sed rate answer related but different questions because they respond differently over time. Start by deciding whether you need a single sed rate, standard CRP, hs-CRP for cardiac risk assessment, or the Basal Inflammation Scan with both CRP and sed rate.

What CRP and sedimentation rate measure

C-reactive protein is a blood protein that rises in response to inflammation. The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test reports that measurement directly. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, often called sed rate or ESR, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube during a set period; inflammatory activity can be associated with a higher rate. The Inflammation Test measures sed rate by the modified Westergren method. The Basal Inflammation Scan reports both CRP and sed rate, giving two distinct inflammation-related results rather than repeating the same measurement. Neither result identifies a specific disease, body location, or cause on its own.

Using results thoughtfully over time

CRP and sed rate are often interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, and prior results because each can be affected by more than one process. Infection, tissue injury, and immune-related inflammation are among the reasons inflammatory measurements can be elevated, so an abnormal result does not establish the source. A single value also has limited value without a reference range and timing. When following a prior result, using the same named measurement helps make the comparison clearer: standard CRP with standard CRP, or sed rate with sed rate. Discuss persistent elevations, substantial changes, or symptoms with a qualified health professional.

Inflammation Markers FAQ

An inflammation blood test commonly measures C-reactive protein, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate. CRP is a protein associated with inflammatory activity, while sed rate measures red blood cell settling over time. These results help document an inflammatory signal, but they do not identify its cause or diagnose a condition by themselves.

CRP measures the concentration of C-reactive protein in blood, whereas sed rate measures the rate at which red blood cells settle. Both are used to evaluate inflammation-related activity, but they are different laboratory measurements and can change differently over time. The Basal Inflammation Scan includes both, while the Inflammation Test reports sed rate alone.

The Basal Inflammation Scan is useful when the goal is to obtain both C-reactive protein and sed rate in one order. Reporting both values provides two perspectives on inflammation-related activity and can support comparison with future results when the same measurements are repeated. The paired results still require clinical context and do not pinpoint a diagnosis.

The C-Reactive Protein (CRP) test measures standard CRP, while the High Sensitivity CRP test is specifically labeled for cardiac risk assessment. They should not be treated as interchangeable follow-up measurements without considering why the test was ordered. A clinician can help determine which CRP result is relevant to a particular health question.

No. An elevated CRP result signals increased C-reactive protein but does not show which tissue or condition is responsible. Inflammatory values can be influenced by several processes, including infection, injury, and immune-related activity. Symptoms, examination findings, timing, and other laboratory results are needed to interpret the significance of a result.

A repeat sed rate can help show whether the erythrocyte sedimentation rate has changed from an earlier value. Comparing the same measurement over time is more informative than assuming a sed rate and CRP value mean the same thing. Trends should be reviewed with the reason for testing, symptoms, and the laboratory reference range in mind.

Hs-CRP is designated for cardiac risk assessment, so it is best matched to that stated purpose rather than treated as a general substitute for every inflammation question. For a direct standard CRP measurement, choose C-Reactive Protein (CRP). For sed rate, choose the Inflammation Test; for both CRP and sed rate, use the Basal Inflammation Scan.

No. Normal CRP or sed rate results do not rule out every health problem, because these tests measure limited inflammation-related signals rather than every possible cause of symptoms. Likewise, an elevated result is not a diagnosis. Professional review is especially important when symptoms persist, worsen, or the result is being used in an ongoing medical evaluation.

Ordering & Results FAQ

You'll receive it via email within 60 seconds of your order unless it requires additional processing (only very complex orders do).

Many general wellness test results are typically available online within 2-3 business days. However, some tests will require additional processing time. You will immediately receive an email & SMS notification when your results are available.

We do not share your results with your physician, insurance company, or any other third party.

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