Trusted-source health topic
Inflammation & Laboratory Testing
Inflammation is part of the body’s response to injury, infection, or other conditions.
Why is this important?
Understanding the purpose and limits of laboratory information can support a more informed conversation with a qualified healthcare professional.
How laboratory testing relates
CRP and ESR are nonspecific measurements that may support evaluation or monitoring. They do not identify the location or cause of inflammation alone.
Before testing
Preparation is test-specific. Follow the instructions given for the exact test and contact the laboratory if fasting, timing, medicines, or specimen collection is unclear. Do not stop medicines unless a qualified professional tells you to.
Educationally related laboratory guides
These links explain related laboratory records. They are not recommendations to request or purchase a test.
Sources & further reading
- MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine: C-Reactive Protein Test
External authoritative patient reference · Verified 2026-08-10