Which test is a non-specific measure of inflammation?

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Multiple Choice

Which test is a non-specific measure of inflammation?

Explanation:
Inflammation can be indicated by a marker that rises with general inflammatory activity, without pointing to a specific cause. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over an hour. Inflammation increases certain plasma proteins, like fibrinogen, causing red cells to stack and settle faster, so the rate goes up. Because many different conditions—infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, pregnancy, anemia—can raise the ESR, it’s a non-specific indicator of inflammation. In contrast, the D-dimer test looks at clot breakdown and helps assess thrombotic processes; a metabolic panel checks organ function and electrolytes; and a pregnancy hormone test confirms pregnancy. Thus, the ESR is the non-specific inflammation marker among these options.

Inflammation can be indicated by a marker that rises with general inflammatory activity, without pointing to a specific cause. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over an hour. Inflammation increases certain plasma proteins, like fibrinogen, causing red cells to stack and settle faster, so the rate goes up. Because many different conditions—infection, autoimmune disease, trauma, pregnancy, anemia—can raise the ESR, it’s a non-specific indicator of inflammation. In contrast, the D-dimer test looks at clot breakdown and helps assess thrombotic processes; a metabolic panel checks organ function and electrolytes; and a pregnancy hormone test confirms pregnancy. Thus, the ESR is the non-specific inflammation marker among these options.

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