Question 1

What's included in the Inflammation Panel?

Accepted Answer

7 tests: [hs-CRP](/tests/hs-crp) (cardiovascular inflammation), ESR / [sed rate](/tests/sed-rate) (general inflammation), [Homocysteine](/tests/homocysteine) (vascular inflammation), [Fibrinogen](/tests/fibrinogen-test) (clotting + inflammation crossover), [Ferritin](/tests/ferritin) (acute-phase reactant), [CBC with differential](/tests/cbc-with-differential) (white-blood-cell patterns behind infection and chronic inflammation), and [CMP](/tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel) (liver, kidney, and metabolic context). Together they catch most patterns of systemic inflammation.

Question 2

Why are a CBC and CMP in an inflammation panel?

Accepted Answer

Inflammatory markers rarely tell the whole story alone. The [CBC's](/tests/cbc-with-differential) white-cell differential separates infection patterns (high neutrophils) from allergic or parasitic patterns (high eosinophils) and flags the anemia of chronic disease. The [CMP](/tests/comprehensive-metabolic-panel) shows whether liver or kidney dysfunction is driving — or being driven by — the inflammation. They turn "your hs-CRP is high" into a workup your doctor can act on.

Question 3

What's the difference between hs-CRP and ESR?

Accepted Answer

[hs-CRP](/tests/hs-crp) responds fast (hours) and is more cardiovascular-specific. ESR responds slow (days-weeks) and is more general. Both elevated suggests active inflammation. hs-CRP elevated with normal ESR suggests cardiovascular-specific inflammation. ESR elevated with normal hs-CRP suggests autoimmune disease or chronic infection.

Question 4

Why include Homocysteine and Fibrinogen?

Accepted Answer

Both bridge inflammation and cardiovascular disease. [Homocysteine](/tests/homocysteine) damages blood vessel linings and accelerates atherosclerosis. Fibrinogen reflects both inflammation and clotting tendency. Together with hs-CRP they give a more complete cardiovascular inflammation picture than CRP alone.

Question 5

How much does the Inflammation Panel cost without insurance?

Accepted Answer

On TestWell, the Inflammation Panel is $119.99. Ordering the same 7 tests separately would be about $175. Quest Direct lists the equivalent tests at about $264, walk-in hospital labs typically bill $400-600 for the same biomarkers without insurance.

Question 6

Do I need to fast for the Inflammation Panel?

Accepted Answer

Yes — 9-12 hour fast (water only) is recommended for accurate [Homocysteine](/tests/homocysteine) results. Recent meals (especially methionine-rich foods like meat) can transiently elevate homocysteine.

Question 7

What can falsely elevate inflammation markers?

Accepted Answer

Recent infection (cold, flu, dental work — wait 2-3 weeks after recovery), intense exercise (24-48 hours before draw), surgery (4-6 weeks), pregnancy, and active autoimmune flares. Retest after the acute trigger resolves for a true baseline.

Question 8

Should I add other tests to investigate elevated inflammation?

Accepted Answer

If inflammation is elevated and the cause is unclear, the next steps are usually: [Autoimmune Panel](/tests/autoimmune-panel) (rule out lupus/RA), [STI Comprehensive Panel](/tests/sti-comprehensive-panel) (rule out occult infection like Hep C), [hepatitis B/C](/tests/hepatitis-c-test). Persistent unexplained inflammation warrants primary-care follow-up.

Question 9

How often should I retest?

Accepted Answer

Once for baseline. Every 3-6 months if elevated and being treated. Annually if normal as part of longevity monitoring.

Inflammation Panel

About This Panel

Clinical Use

Who Should Order This

Helps Evaluate

Tests Included in This Panel

Preparation Instructions

Preparation Instructions

Frequently asked questions

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