Inflammation Panel (ESR + hs-CRP)
A comprehensive blood panel that measures two key markers of inflammation: erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP).
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This panel pairs two of the most commonly ordered inflammation markers to provide a more complete picture than either test alone. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures how rapidly red blood cells settle in a vertical tube over one hour; when inflammatory proteins increase in the blood, they cause red blood cells to cluster and fall faster. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) measures a liver-produced protein that rises in direct response to inflammation or tissue injury.
The two markers have different response timelines, which is precisely why combining them is valuable. CRP rises within hours of an inflammatory trigger and can normalize within days once the trigger resolves. ESR rises more gradually and remains elevated for a longer period. This means CRP is better suited for detecting acute flares, while ESR provides a longer-term view of inflammatory burden. Neither test is diagnostic for a specific condition; both are nonspecific indicators that help healthcare providers determine whether significant inflammation is present and track how it changes over time.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Individuals experiencing unexplained symptoms such as persistent fatigue, fever, or joint pain that may indicate inflammation
- Those with suspected autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or inflammatory bowel disease requiring inflammatory marker assessment
- Patients with chronic conditions who need regular monitoring of inflammation levels to track disease progression or treatment effectiveness
- Individuals undergoing evaluation for cardiovascular risk, as elevated hs-CRP may indicate increased risk of heart disease
- People with a family history of autoimmune disorders who want to screen for early signs of inflammatory conditions
- Those recovering from surgery or infections who need monitoring for ongoing inflammatory responses
What to expect
Preparation
No special preparation is needed for this test. Individuals can eat, drink fluids, and take usual medications and supplements. However, for most accurate results, it may be recommended to avoid acute illness, recent injury, or infection when testing, as these can temporarily elevate inflammatory markers.
Sample Type
A blood sample is collected from a vein in the arm using a standard blood draw procedure.
Collection
The blood collection typically takes less than five minutes. A healthcare professional will insert a small needle into a vein in the arm to collect the sample. Some individuals may experience minor discomfort, bruising, or tenderness at the needle site.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within one to two days, though turnaround times may vary by laboratory.
Understanding your results
ESR is reported in millimeters per hour (mm/hr), with higher values reflecting greater inflammatory activity. hs-CRP is reported in milligrams per liter (mg/L); in a cardiovascular context, levels below 1.0 mg/L are considered low risk, 1.0 to 3.0 mg/L moderate risk, and above 3.0 mg/L higher risk. CRP values above 10.0 mg/L typically indicate acute inflammation from infection, injury, or disease flare rather than chronic low-grade inflammation. Healthcare providers interpret both results together and in the context of symptoms, medical history, and other diagnostic findings to identify the source and significance of any inflammation detected.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult Males (under 50) | 0-15 mm/hr (ESR) | Normal ESR range for men under 50 years of age |
| Adult Females (under 50) | 0-20 mm/hr (ESR) | Normal ESR range for women under 50 years of age |
| All Adults | Less than 0.9 mg/dL (CRP) | General normal range for C-reactive protein |
| hs-CRP Cardiovascular Risk | Low risk: <1.0 mg/L, Moderate: 1.0-3.0 mg/L, High: >3.0 mg/L | hs-CRP ranges for cardiovascular disease risk assessment |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low ESR may be associated with polycythemia, hyperviscosity, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, chronic fatigue syndrome, low plasma protein (due to liver or kidney disease) and congestive heart failure. Low ESR results may also indicate conditions such as sickle cell disease, polycythemia, heart failure, and kidney problems. Low CRP levels typically indicate minimal inflammation and are generally considered favorable, particularly for cardiovascular risk assessment. However, very low levels should be interpreted in the clinical context, as some conditions may prevent normal inflammatory responses.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated ESR may be associated with inflammation, pregnancy, anemia, autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus), infections, some kidney diseases and some cancers (such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma). ESR values greater than 100 mm/hour may indicate conditions requiring further investigation. Moderately to severely elevated CRP levels may be a sign of serious infection or other inflammatory conditions, including severe bacterial infections such as sepsis. High hs-CRP levels may also suggest increased cardiovascular risk and chronic low-grade inflammation. It's important to note that elevated levels require additional testing to determine the underlying cause.
Privacy & confidentiality
All test orders are authorized and results reviewed by an independent, board-certified physician who is not the patient's personal doctor. At LevelPanel, we understand that health information is deeply personal and private. Your inflammation panel results are completely confidential and are <u>not reported to your doctor</u> unless you choose to share them. The test results are <u>not part of your medical records</u> and will <u>not appear on insurance statements</u> or explanation of benefits (EOB). We do not share your information with employers, insurers, or any third parties without your explicit consent. Your health data belongs to you, and we are committed to keeping it private and secure. You have complete control over who has access to your results, giving you the freedom to make informed decisions about your health on your own terms.
Frequently asked questions
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 85652, 86141
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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