Which laboratory test can be used to measure the inflammatory response in the body?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Measuring CRP levels in the blood provides insight into the presence of an inflammatory response within the body. Elevated CRP levels are often associated with conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and chronic inflammatory conditions. As a specific marker that increases significantly during systemic inflammation, CRP testing is a valuable tool for healthcare providers to assess the inflammatory status of a patient.

In contrast, while the complete blood count (CBC) can provide information about white blood cells (which can indicate an immune response), it does not specifically measure inflammation. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) test is primarily used to assess kidney function and does not reflect inflammation. Lastly, an electrolyte panel evaluates the levels of various electrolytes in the body, such as sodium and potassium, which are important for other functions but do not serve as markers for the inflammatory response. Thus, the choice of C-reactive protein (CRP) as a test specifically measuring inflammation is well justified.