Inflammation Check blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

Inflammation is the body's response to infection, injury and some long-term conditions. This check uses two complementary inflammation markers. C-reactive protein (CRP) is made by the liver and rises within a day or two of a new inflammatory trigger, then falls as it settles. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube, and tends to change more slowly, which makes it useful for longer standing inflammation.

The full blood count looks at red cells, haemoglobin, white cells and their different types, and platelets. White cell patterns can point towards infection or allergy, while low haemoglobin can accompany chronic inflammation. Ferritin reflects iron stores, but it also rises during inflammation, so reading it alongside CRP helps avoid misleading conclusions.

The price includes your sample taken at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have joint or muscle aches, swelling or stiffness without a clear cause.
• You have felt generally unwell or run down for several weeks.
• You have a long-term inflammatory condition and want to keep track of your markers.
• You have recovered from an infection and want to see whether inflammation has settled.
• You want a simple, affordable starting point before deciding on more detailed tests.

Understanding your result

Your report lists every marker next to the laboratory reference range. A raised CRP or ESR tells you that inflammation is present, but not where it is or what is causing it. Minor infections, injuries, hard exercise and being overweight can all nudge these markers up, while conditions such as anaemia, pregnancy and older age can raise ESR.

High or low white cells, a raised platelet count or low haemoglobin add clues that your practitioner considers with your symptoms. A result outside the range is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis, and persistent abnormalities are usually best followed up with your GP.

Preparing for your test

Fasting is not required. If you have had a cold, infection, injury or intense exercise in the last week or so, consider waiting until you have recovered, as these can raise CRP temporarily. Tell us about anti-inflammatory medicines, steroids or iron supplements, which can affect results.

If tiredness or low iron is part of the picture, our Tired All The Time check and the iron blood tests are useful next steps. Every option sits on our hub, where you will find every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an Inflammation Check in Chiswick?

The Inflammation Check costs £79 at our Chiswick clinic. This includes your blood sample, analysis of all 16 markers at the Randox accredited laboratory, a practitioner review and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between CRP and ESR?

CRP responds quickly to new inflammation and falls quickly as it settles. ESR changes more slowly and is affected by more factors, so the two together give a more rounded view.

Can this test tell me what is causing my symptoms?

Not on its own. It shows whether inflammation is present and gives clues from the blood count. Finding the cause usually needs a clinical assessment and sometimes more specific tests.

Do I need to fast?

No. You can eat and drink as normal before an Inflammation Check.