Acute-Phase Reactants

What Are Acute-Phase Reactants? Role in Inflammation, Testing & Health Conditions

Inflammation is the body's natural response to infection, injury, or disease. One way to detect inflammation in the body is through blood tests that measure acute-phase reactants. These are proteins whose levels increase or decrease in response to inflammation. Understanding these reactants is crucial for diagnosing a wide range of health conditions.

What Are Acute-Phase Reactants?

Acute-phase reactants are proteins produced by the liver in response to inflammatory signals. Their levels in the blood can rise (positive reactants) or fall (negative reactants) within hours of inflammation or tissue injury. These proteins help the body heal and fight infections by regulating immune responses and repairing damaged tissue.

Common Positive Acute-Phase Reactants:

C-reactive protein (CRP), Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) , Fibrinogen Ferritin, Serum Amyloid A (SAA), Haptoglobin

Negative Acute-Phase Reactants:

Albumin, Transferrin

Role of C-Reactive Protein (CRP)

C-reactive protein (CRP) is one of the most commonly tested acute-phase reactants. CRP levels rise significantly in response to acute inflammation. A high CRP level can indicate infections, autoimmune diseases, or chronic conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or inflammatory bowel disease.

When is CRP Testing Recommended?

Doctors may recommend a CRP test if you show symptoms like: Persistent fever , Fatigue or joint pain, Unexplained weight loss , Signs of infection or inflammation

Tests for Inflammation

To detect and monitor inflammation, several tests for inflammation are used. These blood tests help identify elevated levels of acute-phase reactants:

1. CRP Test – Measures the level of C-reactive protein in the blood.

2. ESR Test – Determines how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube; a faster rate suggests inflammation.

3. Fibrinogen Test – Measures levels of fibrinogen, a protein involved in blood clotting and inflammation.

4. Serum Amyloid A (SAA) – An early marker of inflammation, especially in chronic conditions.

Inflammatory Markers Test: Why It Matters

An inflammatory markers test is essential in diagnosing: Autoimmune diseases (like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis) , Infections (bacterial or viral), Chronic inflammatory conditions, Cardiovascular diseases , Post-surgical inflammation or trauma response. These tests also help monitor how well a patient is responding to treatment.

Health Conditions Linked to Elevated Acute-Phase Reactants

Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus , COVID-19 and other viral infections, Tuberculosis, Heart disease and stroke risk Cancer (in some cases).

Get Tested at Diagnopein

At Diagnopein, we offer advanced tests for inflammation including CRP, ESR, and other inflammatory markers. Our laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and experienced staff to ensure accurate and timely reports. Whether you’re experiencing symptoms or undergoing routine screening, testing inflammatory markers can give valuable insight into your health.

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