Chronic Inflammatory Disease Blood Test

What is Chronic Inflammatory Diseases?

Chronic inflammatory diseases are conditions where the immune system causes persistent inflammation affecting multiple body systems, including rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Crohn's disease, and inflammatory bowel disease. They are caused by an overactive immune response that attacks healthy tissues, producing abnormal levels of inflammatory proteins and immune cells in the bloodstream. The Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein test is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects characteristic protein pattern changes that indicate active inflammation.

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What causes chronic inflammatory diseases?

Chronic inflammatory diseases are caused by an overactive immune system that mistakenly attacks healthy tissues in your body. In conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, immune cells target joint tissue, while in lupus, antibodies attack multiple organs including skin, kidneys, and blood vessels. Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease occur when immune cells attack the digestive tract lining. The exact trigger varies, but genetics, environmental factors, infections, and gut bacteria imbalances can all activate this abnormal immune response that leads to persistent inflammation.

What is the best test for chronic inflammatory diseases?

The Protein, Total and Protein Electrophoresis test is the most important test for chronic inflammatory diseases because it detects characteristic changes in protein patterns that indicate active inflammation. This test measures albumin, globulins, and other protein fractions that become abnormal when conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus are present. The Protein Electrophoresis with Total Protein and Reflex to IFE provides even more comprehensive analysis by automatically performing immunofixation if abnormalities are detected. For a complete assessment, the Immune Cell Function test is essential as it directly measures how your immune cells are behaving, revealing the overactive immune response that drives these conditions.

When should I get tested for chronic inflammatory diseases?

You should get tested if you experience persistent joint pain and stiffness that lasts more than six weeks, especially if it's worse in the morning. Other warning signs include unexplained fatigue that doesn't improve with rest, recurring fevers without infection, skin rashes that come and go, or digestive problems like chronic diarrhea and abdominal pain. If you have a family history of autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, testing is particularly important when symptoms appear. Early detection through blood tests can help you start treatment before permanent damage occurs to your joints, organs, or digestive system.

What are the symptoms of chronic inflammatory diseases?
Symptoms vary depending on which condition you have, but common signs include persistent joint pain, swelling, and morning stiffness lasting over 30 minutes. You might experience extreme fatigue that doesn't improve with sleep, unexplained weight loss, and recurring low-grade fevers. Skin manifestations include rashes, especially a butterfly-shaped rash across the cheeks in lupus. Digestive symptoms like chronic diarrhea, bloody stools, and abdominal cramping occur in Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease. Many people also notice muscle weakness, dry eyes and mouth, and general feelings of being unwell that persist for months.
Who is at risk for chronic inflammatory diseases?
Women are two to three times more likely than men to develop autoimmune inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus. Your risk increases significantly if you have family members with autoimmune diseases, as genetics play a major role. People between ages 30-50 are most commonly diagnosed, though these conditions can start at any age. Smokers have a much higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, and certain ethnic groups, particularly African Americans, Hispanics, and Native Americans, show increased susceptibility to lupus. Environmental triggers like infections, stress, and exposure to certain chemicals can activate disease in genetically predisposed individuals.
What happens if chronic inflammatory diseases are left untreated?
Untreated chronic inflammatory diseases cause progressive damage to affected organs and tissues that can become irreversible. In rheumatoid arthritis, persistent inflammation destroys joint cartilage and bone, leading to permanent deformities and disability. Lupus can cause life-threatening complications including kidney failure, heart disease, and stroke when inflammation damages these organs. Crohn's disease and inflammatory bowel disease create strictures, fistulas, and increase your risk of colon cancer. The ongoing inflammation also raises your risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and infections. Early treatment with blood test monitoring can prevent most of these serious complications and preserve your quality of life.
Can chronic inflammatory diseases be diagnosed with a blood test?
Blood tests are essential diagnostic tools for chronic inflammatory diseases, though they work best when combined with your symptoms and physical examination. Protein electrophoresis tests reveal characteristic protein pattern changes that strongly suggest inflammatory conditions, while immune cell function tests show abnormal immune activity. Additional blood tests like C-reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, rheumatoid factor, and anti-nuclear antibodies help identify specific conditions. No single blood test definitively diagnoses all inflammatory diseases, but the combination of multiple blood markers provides strong evidence. These tests also monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness over time, making them invaluable for ongoing management.
How is chronic inflammatory disease treated?
Treatment focuses on suppressing the overactive immune response and reducing inflammation to prevent organ damage. Disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs like methotrexate slow disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis, while biologic medications target specific immune system proteins causing inflammation. Corticosteroids provide rapid relief during flare-ups but are used short-term due to side effects. For inflammatory bowel disease, aminosalicylates and immunosuppressants reduce intestinal inflammation. Your doctor uses regular blood tests to monitor inflammation levels and adjust medications. Lifestyle modifications including anti-inflammatory diets, regular exercise, stress management, and smoking cessation significantly improve outcomes. Treatment is lifelong but can achieve remission where you experience minimal or no symptoms.
How can I prevent chronic inflammatory diseases?
While you cannot prevent genetic predisposition, you can reduce your risk of triggering inflammatory diseases through lifestyle choices. Avoiding smoking is critical, as it dramatically increases rheumatoid arthritis risk and worsens all inflammatory conditions. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces inflammation throughout your body and decreases autoimmune disease risk. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains while limiting processed foods helps regulate immune function. Managing stress through meditation, adequate sleep, and regular exercise supports healthy immune system balance. If you have family history, regular blood test screening can catch inflammation early before symptoms appear.
What natural remedies help with chronic inflammatory diseases?
Several natural approaches can complement medical treatment by reducing inflammation and supporting immune balance. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil have proven anti-inflammatory effects and may reduce joint pain and morning stiffness. Turmeric containing curcumin shows promise in reducing inflammatory markers, though absorption is enhanced when taken with black pepper. Probiotics support gut health, which is particularly important since 70% of immune function originates in the digestive tract. Gentle exercises like swimming, yoga, and tai chi maintain joint flexibility without triggering flare-ups. Adequate vitamin D levels are essential for immune regulation, and many people with inflammatory diseases are deficient. Always discuss supplements with your healthcare provider, as some may interact with immunosuppressive medications.
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Long story short:
  1. In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
  2. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
  3. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
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  5. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
  6. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
  7. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
  8. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
How do I know which test to get?
In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.

Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.
Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?
Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.

Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.

There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.

Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.
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Only HSA & FSA is accepted.

Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.

This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
Can I cancel my order?
Yes.

We get it – sometimes your needs change.

As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.

If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

You can read more about our cancellation policy here.
How can I find a lab location near me?
During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).

Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym.

If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.
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Protein, Total and Protein Electrophoresis
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$173 $135
What's included
Fast & easy, results by email & SMS
No need to visit a doctor
Private & confidential
No insurance needed
Results explained
No extra fees paid at the lab

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