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Infection & Inflammation

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Inflammation is often associated with visible signs, such as a swollen ankle, a cut, an insect bite, or an allergic reaction. These types of inflammation typically cause pain, redness, swelling, or itching, making them easy to recognise. However, not all inflammation is visible. Chronic or silent inflammation can persist unnoticed for months or even years, gradually causing damage without obvious symptoms.

This hidden inflammation can affect the entire body and may indicate an underlying health issue or infection. Over time, it can contribute to serious complications, including damage to the heart, arteries, and blood vessels — even if cholesterol and triglyceride levels appear normal. Because silent inflammation can be subtle, early detection is crucial for maintaining long-term health and preventing further complications.

This test is particularly valuable for individuals experiencing unexplained fatigue, joint pain, recurrent infections, or other signs of immune system imbalance. It is also beneficial for those with a family history of autoimmune or inflammatory conditions.

Inflammation+ immune & autoimmune
48 hrsresults turnaround
GPled interpretation
UKASaccredited lab

Why an Infection & Inflammation test matters

Inflammation is your body's response to infection, injury and disease — but when it becomes persistent it can quietly drive a range of conditions, from autoimmune disease to long-term illness. This panel measures key markers of infection, inflammation and immune function to help explain symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, recurrent infections or simply feeling unwell.

These markers build a picture rather than give a single diagnosis, so every result is reviewed and explained by a GP, who'll interpret the pattern in context and guide any next steps.

What's included in your Infection & Inflammation test

Eleven markers across inflammation, autoimmune activity and immune function.

Inflammation & infection
  • High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP) — a sensitive marker of systemic inflammation.
  • Ferritin — measures iron storage and can indicate chronic inflammation.
  • Antistreptolysin O (ASO) — indicates a recent streptococcal infection.
  • Albumin — a protein that maintains blood volume and pressure, and can fall with inflammation.
Autoimmune markers
  • Rheumatoid Factor (RF) — helps detect autoimmune and inflammatory conditions.
  • Anti-Cyclic Citrullinated Peptide (Anti-CCP) Antibody — a marker for autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Immune system proteins
  • Complement Component 3 (C3) — a protein essential for immune system function.
  • Complement Component 4 (C4) — a protein essential for immune system function.
  • Immunoglobulin A (IgA) — an antibody reflecting immune system health.
  • Immunoglobulin G (IgG) — an antibody reflecting immune system health.
  • Immunoglobulin M (IgM) — an antibody reflecting immune system health.

What this panel can help investigate

Active inflammationWhether inflammation is present and how marked it is.
Recent infectionSigns of a recent streptococcal infection.
Autoimmune conditionsMarkers linked to conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Immune functionInsight into how your immune system is working.

How it works

Book onlineChoose a time that suits you, or call us. Most checks can be booked online.
Quick blood sampleA short, comfortable appointment at one of our clinical sites — around 15 minutes.
Expert lab analysisYour sample is processed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory.
GP-reviewed resultsWithin 48 hours, a GP reviews and explains your results — with clear, personalised advice.

Is this test right for you?

It's a helpful choice if you have:

Unexplained symptomsFatigue or feeling generally unwell without a clear cause.
Joint pain or stiffnessAching, swollen or stiff joints you'd like investigated.
Recurrent infectionsGetting ill more often than seems normal for you.
A possible autoimmune pictureSymptoms that could point to an inflammatory condition.

Why choose Solasta

GP interpretation, not softwareEvery result is reviewed and explained by an experienced local GP — so you know what it means and what to do next.
Accurate, accredited resultsAnalysed by a locally based UKAS-accredited laboratory (ISO/IEC 17025:2017) for reliable, fast diagnostics.
Continuity of careMore than a one-off test — discreet, unhurried care with ongoing support and follow-up if needed.

What to know before your appointment

No fasting required

There's no need to fast before this test — you can eat and drink as normal.

Recent illness or injury

If you've recently had an infection, injury or vaccination, please mention it, as these can temporarily raise inflammation markers such as CRP and ferritin and affect how your results are interpreted.

Stay hydrated

Please ensure you are well hydrated prior to your appointment, as being dehydrated may make the blood draw more difficult.

Biotin (Vitamin B7)

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is a common component of many multivitamins and is also available as a standalone supplement. Biotin is known to interfere with laboratory testing and can affect various blood results. Unless prescribed by your doctor, we recommend stopping supplementation at least 48 hours prior to testing. If the supplement has been prescribed, please speak with your doctor before stopping.

Infection & Inflammation FAQs

What does this test measure?
Markers of inflammation and infection (hs-CRP, ferritin, ASO, albumin), autoimmune markers (rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP), and immune-system proteins (complement C3 and C4, plus immunoglobulins IgA, IgG and IgM).
What can it help detect?
It can help investigate active inflammation, recent streptococcal infection, autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, and how well your immune system is functioning.
Can it diagnose rheumatoid arthritis?
It provides important clues, but conditions like rheumatoid arthritis are diagnosed on the overall clinical picture, not a single blood result. Your GP will interpret your results in context.
Do I need to fast?
No. This test doesn't require fasting, so you can eat and drink as normal beforehand.
Can a recent illness affect my results?
Yes. A recent infection, injury or vaccination can temporarily raise inflammation markers, so let us know if you've been unwell recently.
How long do results take?
Results are typically ready within 48 hours of your sample reaching the laboratory, after which a GP reviews and explains them.
How is the sample taken?
A simple blood sample is taken at one of our clinical sites in a short, comfortable appointment of around 15 minutes.

Related checks & services

Full Blood CountA broad snapshot of your red cells, white cells and platelets.
Muscle & Joint HealthMarkers linked to muscle and joint symptoms.
Well WomanA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Well ManA comprehensive general health check across all the major systems.
Ready to understand your health?
Book your Infection & Inflammation test online, or call us — NI 028 40 648 486 · ROI +353 1906 1950.

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