What commonly indicates the presence of inflammation in laboratory tests?

Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are a well-established marker that indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. CRP is an acute-phase reactant produced by the liver in response to inflammatory cytokines, particularly interleukin-6 (IL-6). When inflammation occurs, CRP levels can rise dramatically within hours and are used clinically to assess the severity of inflammation or monitor the response to treatment.

In the context of laboratory tests, increased CRP levels correlate strongly with various inflammatory conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic diseases. This makes it a reliable biomarker for identifying and evaluating inflammation, providing important information about a patient's health status.

In contrast, increased hemoglobin levels, decreased white blood cell counts, and stable serum albumin levels do not specifically indicate inflammation. Increased hemoglobin can suggest dehydration or polycythemia, decreased white blood cell counts may indicate bone marrow suppression or certain infections, and stable serum albumin levels reflect nutritional status rather than inflammatory activity. Thus, elevated CRP is uniquely associated with inflammation, making it the correct choice.