Question 1

What is Infection or Inflammatory Disease?

Accepted Answer

Infection or inflammatory disease occurs when the body's immune system responds to pathogens, toxins, or attacks its own healthy tissues. It is caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or autoimmune responses where elevated white blood cells, inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein, and monocytes indicate immune system activation. The Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel is the most important test for diagnosing infections and inflammatory conditions because it measures immune system markers including monocyte levels and inflammatory status.

Question 2

What causes infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

Infection or inflammatory disease is caused by pathogens including bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pneumoniae, viruses such as influenza and COVID-19, fungi, parasites, or autoimmune reactions where the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissue. When these invaders or autoimmune processes occur, the body releases inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) and interleukins, and increases production of white blood cells including monocytes to fight the threat. Inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus develop when this immune response becomes chronic or misdirected against the body's own cells.

Question 3

What is the best test for infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

The Post COVID-19 Expanded Panel is the most important test for infection or inflammatory disease because it detects elevated monocyte levels and other immune system markers that indicate active infection or chronic inflammation. This comprehensive panel measures white blood cell counts, inflammatory proteins, and cellular changes that occur when your body is fighting bacteria, viruses, or experiencing autoimmune activity. The test is particularly valuable for identifying persistent immune system activation in conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and post-infectious inflammatory responses. By providing a complete picture of your inflammatory status, this panel helps determine whether ongoing infection or chronic inflammation requires medical attention.

Question 4

When should I get tested for infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience persistent fever lasting more than a few days, unexplained fatigue that does not improve with rest, joint pain and swelling that interferes with daily activities, recurring infections, or symptoms that continue weeks after an initial illness like COVID-19. Testing is especially important if you notice multiple symptoms occurring together, such as fever combined with body aches and extreme tiredness, or if you have a known autoimmune condition that may be flaring up. Early detection through blood testing allows for prompt treatment and prevents complications from untreated infections or chronic inflammation.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

Symptoms of infection or inflammatory disease include fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, joint pain and stiffness, swelling in affected areas, redness or warmth around inflamed tissues, and general weakness. You might also experience night sweats, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, headaches, or persistent cough depending on what part of your body is affected. Autoimmune inflammatory conditions often cause morning stiffness that lasts more than an hour, while acute infections typically produce sudden onset of fever and malaise. Many people describe feeling like they have the flu that will not go away.

Question 6

Who is at risk for infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk include those with weakened immune systems from conditions like diabetes or HIV, individuals taking immunosuppressive medications for organ transplants or autoimmune diseases, older adults over 65, and anyone with chronic health conditions affecting the heart, lungs, or kidneys. Healthcare workers and caregivers face increased exposure to infectious pathogens. Genetic factors play a role in autoimmune inflammatory diseases, so having a family history of conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus increases your risk. Recent major infections like COVID-19 can trigger prolonged inflammatory responses even in previously healthy individuals.

Question 7

What happens if infection or inflammatory disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated infections can spread throughout the body causing sepsis, a life-threatening condition where overwhelming inflammation damages multiple organs and can lead to septic shock and death. Chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis progressively destroy joints, causing permanent disability and deformity. Persistent inflammation damages blood vessels, increasing risk of heart attack and stroke, while also contributing to organ scarring in the kidneys, liver, and lungs. Autoimmune conditions can flare unpredictably, attacking vital organs including the brain, heart, and kidneys. Even seemingly mild ongoing inflammation accelerates aging processes and increases cancer risk over time.

Question 8

Can infection or inflammatory disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, blood tests are essential for diagnosing infection or inflammatory disease by measuring specific markers of immune system activity. Tests detect elevated white blood cell counts that indicate active infection, increased monocyte levels suggesting ongoing inflammation, and inflammatory proteins like C-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) that rise when the body is fighting pathogens or experiencing autoimmune activity. Blood tests can also identify specific antibodies against bacteria or viruses, measure complement proteins involved in immune responses, and detect autoantibodies that attack the body's own tissues in conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Question 9

How is infection or inflammatory disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and ranges from antibiotics for bacterial infections to antiviral medications for viruses like influenza or herpes. Inflammatory conditions are managed with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen for mild inflammation, corticosteroids such as prednisone for more severe cases, and disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) or biologic medications that suppress specific immune pathways in autoimmune diseases. Infections may require drainage of abscesses or surgical removal of infected tissue. Your doctor will tailor treatment based on blood test results showing inflammatory markers, symptom severity, and whether the condition is acute or chronic.

Question 10

How can I prevent infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

Prevention strategies include maintaining good hygiene by washing hands frequently with soap and water, staying up to date with vaccinations including flu shots and COVID-19 boosters, and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Strengthen your immune system through regular exercise, adequate sleep of 7-9 hours nightly, stress management techniques like meditation, and a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids that reduce inflammation. For autoimmune conditions, identify and avoid personal triggers such as certain foods, excessive sun exposure, or smoking. Practice food safety by cooking meats thoroughly and storing perishables properly to prevent foodborne infections.

Question 11

What natural remedies help with infection or inflammatory disease?

Accepted Answer

Natural approaches that support immune function and reduce inflammation include consuming anti-inflammatory foods like fatty fish rich in omega-3s, turmeric containing curcumin, ginger, berries, and leafy greens. Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of water to help flush toxins and support cellular function. Get adequate rest as sleep is when your body repairs tissue and regulates immune responses. Gentle exercise like walking or yoga reduces chronic inflammation without overtaxing the immune system. Supplements such as vitamin D, vitamin C, zinc, and probiotics may support immune function, though you should discuss these with a healthcare provider. Stress reduction through meditation, deep breathing, or spending time in nature helps regulate inflammatory responses.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                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.
                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.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                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.
                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.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
                If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

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?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

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.

Infection or Inflammatory Disease Blood Test

What is Infection or Inflammatory Disease?

What causes infection or inflammatory disease?

What is the best test for infection or inflammatory disease?

When should I get tested for infection or inflammatory disease?

References

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