InsideTracker Inflammation blood test - 5 blood values

InsideTracker gives members an Inflammation score from 0 to 100, calculated from a fixed set of blood values. If you search for InsideTracker in the Netherlands, you usually want those values measured without a membership and without shipping a sample to the United States.

This blood test is that alternative: the same blood values behind the Inflammation category, drawn at a certified Dutch lab and returned digitally in your account, with an assessment by a BIG-registered doctor.

This panel may suit people who want to track their inflammation status objectively. It can be relevant for:

• People who want to follow up a previously elevated CRP value
• People with recurring infections who want their immune cells mapped
• People with unexplained fatigue, alongside their GP's advice
• People who want the InsideTracker Inflammation category measured in the Netherlands

This panel measures 5 blood values, of which the blood count itself contains dozens of underlying values:

• Inflammation protein: hs-CRP, the sensitive measure of low-grade inflammation.
• Immune cells: a Complete Blood Count with Leukocyte Differential: neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils and basophils.
• Vitamins and iron status: Vitamin D and Ferritin, which reacts as an inflammation protein besides storing iron.

The results show how your inflammation protein, your white blood cells and your vitamin D compare to the reference ranges. The combination is informative: an elevated CRP with elevated ferritin points to something different than an elevated CRP with normal other values.

If you want to look beyond inflammation alone, our InsideTracker blood test measures 36 blood values in one go. Keep in mind that a single value is not a diagnosis.

For this blood test, a staff member draws a small tube of blood at a certified location. You can choose from 700+ collection sites, so there is almost always a location near you.

You only need your appointment confirmation and a valid ID. The draw usually takes just a few minutes.

Some people choose to measure these values:

• When they want to check a previously elevated inflammation value
• When they catch colds or flu often and want their immune system mapped
• When they feel tired for a long time and want an objective starting point
• When they want to follow the effect of lifestyle changes on their inflammation status

What the results mean depends on your personal situation. A temporarily elevated CRP can be caused by a simple cold; the pattern across several values and measurements is what carries information.

Always discuss any deviating values with your GP, so you know what the results may mean for you personally.

Fasting is not needed for this panel. If you are ill or recovering from an infection, plan the draw a few weeks later: a recent infection temporarily raises your inflammation values.

Drink enough water on the day of the draw. If in doubt, discuss your situation with your GP.

You receive your results digitally in your account, usually within a few working days. For each value, you can see whether it falls within the reference range.

Every blood test result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.