General Inflammation Markers

Inflammation is a natural part of the body’s response to infection, injury, and disease—but no single laboratory test can explain the whole picture. This category explores the blood, stool, and protein-based markers clinicians use to detect inflammation, assess its severity, monitor changes over time, and investigate possible underlying causes. Learn how widely used tests such as C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, white blood cell count, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, and serum amyloid A reflect different aspects of the inflammatory response. You will also find detailed guidance on more specialized markers, including fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin for intestinal inflammation, as well as haptoglobin, ceruloplasmin, albumin, and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein. The articles also explain calculated indicators such as the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, showing why the individual cell counts behind each ratio matter. Throughout the category, particular attention is given to reference ranges, testing methods, biological variation, medications, infections, chronic illnesses, and other factors that may influence results. An abnormal inflammation marker does not automatically identify a specific condition, while a normal result may not always exclude disease. Results are usually most meaningful when interpreted alongside symptoms, medical history, physical findings, other laboratory tests, and trends over time. Use this resource to better understand what each marker measures, why it may rise or fall, how different tests complement one another, and which questions to discuss with a qualified healthcare professional.