Numbers, not feelings
CRP helps resolve the real question of “is an antibiotic needed” and checks the response to therapy after 48-72 hours (halved = course works). The highly sensitive range also evaluates vascular risk. After operations, the marker monitors the smoothness of the course - growth after a decrease signals a complication before the clinic.
When is it appointed?
- fever - severity and nature of inflammation;
- suspicion of sepsis - procalcitonin, blood culture;
- joint pain - rheumatological screening;
- sore throats and their complications - ASLO;
- allergy - general IgE.
Inflammation thermometer
Markers rank the alarm: CRP increases with any significant inflammation (bacterial gives higher numbers), procalcitonin is specific for severe bacterial infections and sepsis - it also solves the issue of antibiotics, IL-6 reacts first in resuscitation scenarios, blood culture finds the causative agent of bacteremia. Rheumatological block (RF, ASLO) and IgE close articular and allergic routes. The right marker at the right time saves time and antibiotics.
