Inflammatory marker

The term "inflammatory marker" is a generic clinical term for various biomarkers measured in blood or other fluids to assess the presence and degree of inflammation in the body. These markers are biological indicators that reflect the presence and intensity of inflammation within the body, but they do not represent one specific molecule. Instead, they encompass several proteins and other molecules whose concentrations change during inflammatory processes. Common examples include C-reactive protein (CRP), erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), plasma viscosity (PV), fibrinogen, ferritin, interleukin‑6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha. These tests are used as diagnostic tools to help clinicians detect active inflammation associated with infections, autoimmune conditions, malignancies, and cardiovascular events. However, they lack specificity for any single condition and must always be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other diagnostic results. Therefore, "Inflammatory marker" should not be treated as an individual molecular target but rather as an umbrella term covering multiple distinct biomarkers used clinically for detecting systemic inflammation.

Other names

Inflammation biomarkerAcute phase reactantInflammatory blood test