Concierge inflammation testing · London
Private inflammation markers in London (CRP, ESR), what they mean and when to escalate.
CRP, ESR and hsCRP — non-specific markers that mean a lot in the right context, and less than the internet says out of it. Interpreted by a specialist.
Why patients choose us
- 01
We explain, not just report
A raised CRP is not a diagnosis. You get a conversation about what it means and what to do next.
- 02
No bundle upselling
If CRP alone answers your question, that is what we book. We will not add markers you do not need.
- 03
Accredited labs only
UKAS-accredited laboratories, reviewed every six months on turnaround and quality.
Indicative pricing
What private inflammation markers cost in London.
Indicative ranges across our partner laboratories and consultant rheumatologists. Send the details and we quote firm figures across two or three options.
In short
CRP and ESR together in our network: £50–£100, with results in 24 hours.
| Test or panel | Indicative range | Appointment time | Results turnaround |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRP only | £30–£60 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| ESR only | £30–£60 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| CRP + ESR | £50–£100 | 5 min | 24 hrs |
| High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) | £70–£140 | 5 min | 24–48 hrs |
| Full inflammation + autoimmune panel | £250–£500 | 15 min | 5–7 days |
| Inflammation panel + rheumatology review | £450–£900 | 60 min | 5–7 days |
Prices vary by laboratory, which markers you need, whether hsCRP or an autoimmune panel is added, and whether a phlebotomist comes to you. We come back with a firm quote within one working day.
The problem
A raised CRP is a clue, not a diagnosis.
Plenty of places will run a CRP and email you the number. Knowing what it means in your specific case, and whether to escalate, is the part that matters. That is what we do.
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Got a raised CRP?
We help you work out whether it is infection, autoimmune activity, or a red herring worth repeating.
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Suspected autoimmune?
CRP and ESR are step one — we arrange the wider serology and a rheumatology review where indicated.
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Want it done at home?
We arrange a phlebotomist to visit your home or office at a time that suits.
The journey
From enquiry to results — what happens, in order.
One clinician from first message to explained results — usually within a day or two.
Phase 1 · Before your test
Concierge, off-stage for you
Phase 2 · On the day
~5 minutes for the draw
Phase 3 · After
Concierge, back on
- 01
Before
You tell us what is going on
A short, confidential form. Symptoms, any existing results, and what you want to understand.
- 02
Before
We recommend the right marker(s)
Within one working day: CRP, ESR, hsCRP or a wider autoimmune panel — whichever fits the question.
- 03
Before
We book the appointment
Clinic, home or office, often same or next day. We tell you about timing and medication.
- 04
On the day
The blood draw
A few minutes with an experienced phlebotomist. A brief scratch, and it is done.
- 05
On the day
Off to the lab
Your sample goes to a UKAS-accredited laboratory the same day.
- 06
After
Results reviewed
Results are checked by a consultant rheumatologist where clinically indicated, usually within 24 hours.
- 07
After
We explain them
We talk you through what the numbers mean in your context and arrange any next step.
Typical end-to-end: 1–3 days. Urgent cases: same day.
What it shows
When inflammation markers earn their place.
CRP and ESR answer very specific questions. These are the situations where they matter most — and one where they do not.
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Suspected infection
CRP rises within hours and helps distinguish bacterial from viral, alongside your symptoms.
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Autoimmune conditions
A raised inflammatory marker is often the first clue in lupus, vasculitis and connective tissue disease.
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Rheumatoid arthritis monitoring
CRP and ESR help track disease activity and response to treatment.
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Temporal arteritis pathway
New headache with jaw claudication over 50 — ESR and CRP guide urgent steroid decisions.
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Polymyalgia rheumatica pathway
Bilateral shoulder and hip stiffness in older adults — inflammation markers are central to diagnosis.
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Cardiovascular risk (hsCRP context)
hsCRP is a distinct marker that adds nuance to cardiovascular risk assessment.
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Monitoring known chronic disease
IBD, RA and other conditions — trend matters more than a single number.
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Red flag: fever + confusion/rash
Do not test — go to the nearest A&E today. Inflammation markers are not the right first step.
Popular panels
The panels we arrange most.
What each option is actually for.
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CRP
C-reactive protein — the fast-rising acute-phase marker, useful in infection and flare.
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ESR
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate — slower to rise and fall, useful in chronic inflammation.
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CRP + ESR combined
The classic pairing — one fast, one slow, together more informative than either alone.
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High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP)
A different assay used for cardiovascular risk stratification, not for acute infection.
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Inflammation + autoimmune panel
CRP, ESR, ANA, ENA, rheumatoid factor, anti-CCP and complement — a broad first look.
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Rheumatology review
A consultant rheumatologist reads the panel in the context of your symptoms.
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Post-treatment monitoring
Serial CRP or ESR to confirm a flare is settling or an infection is resolving.
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Paediatric inflammation panel
Age-appropriate reference ranges and paediatric-experienced phlebotomists.
Our vetted London network
A small panel of labs and rheumatologists, we picked them.
Partners across central, north, west and south London, plus home and office visits. Not listed publicly — introductions are made privately, once we understand your case.
Selection criteria
How we choose every laboratory and rheumatologist in our network.
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UKAS-accredited pathology laboratories
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Consultant rheumatologists for interpretation and onward care
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High-sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) available where clinically appropriate
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Clear onward pathway to autoimmune serology, imaging or biopsy when indicated
Preparation and practicalities
What actually changes an inflammation marker.
CRP and ESR are simple blood tests, but the numbers only make sense in context — pregnancy, age, medication and timing all matter.
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CRP rises within hours of inflammation
Useful for acute events — a normal CRP the day symptoms start can be misleadingly reassuring.
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ESR is slower to change
Rises and falls over days to weeks, which is why it can lag behind clinical recovery.
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Both are non-specific
They tell you inflammation exists, not why. Interpretation always needs clinical context.
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Pregnancy raises ESR normally
Reference ranges shift in pregnancy — a mildly raised ESR is often physiological.
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Older adults have higher baseline ESR
ESR rises gently with age; age-adjusted thresholds matter.
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hsCRP is a distinct CV-risk marker
Not the same test as CRP for infection — the assay range and clinical use are different.
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A single result deserves a repeat + context
One number in isolation rarely settles a question. We often repeat after 1–2 weeks.
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Normal markers do not rule out serious disease
Some vasculitides, early cancers and localised infections can present with normal CRP and ESR.
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Steroids suppress both markers
Tell us what you take — steroids, NSAIDs and biologics all change the picture. Always share prior results and current medication.
Reading your report
A CRP number in isolation says very little. Trend and context say a lot.
However many markers are run, the report follows the same four parts.
A quiet reminder
Reference ranges are a guide, not a verdict — the trend and the clinical picture are what matter.
If you would like us to talk you through it before your follow-up, just ask.
- 01 Header
Your symptoms and medications
Your details, the symptoms behind the test, and the medications that can change how these markers behave.
- 02 Technique
Which markers were measured
CRP, ESR, hsCRP or a wider panel — with the assay method and reference range used by the laboratory.
- 03 Findings
Each marker with its trend
Each result alongside its reference range, plus any prior results so you can see the trend, not just the snapshot.
- 04 Impression
The conclusion: read this first
Normal, raised — and if raised, the likely cause and the specific next step. Read this first.
Recognised by major UK insurers
Routine screening is often self-funded; where testing is medically indicated we confirm cover with your insurer.
Frequently asked
Everything we get asked about CRP and ESR.
Quick answers on what they measure, cost, referrals, results and when to escalate.
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What does CRP measure?
CRP (C-reactive protein) is a protein made by the liver that rises within hours of inflammation or infection. It is one of the most useful acute-phase reactants in medicine, but on its own it does not tell you the cause.
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What is the difference between ESR and CRP?
CRP rises and falls quickly — within hours to a couple of days. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is slower, changing over days to weeks. CRP is better for acute events; ESR gives a longer view. The two together are more informative than either alone.
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What is hsCRP and how is it different?
High-sensitivity CRP uses a more sensitive assay to detect the low-grade inflammation associated with cardiovascular risk. It is a different clinical tool from standard CRP — do not use it to look for acute infection, and do not use standard CRP for cardiovascular risk.
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How does pregnancy affect these results?
Pregnancy raises ESR as a normal physiological change, and CRP can be mildly elevated too. We interpret results against pregnancy-appropriate reference ranges rather than the standard adult ones.
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When should the test be repeated?
A single result rarely settles a question. We often repeat after 1–2 weeks, or sooner if the clinical picture is changing. Trend usually matters more than a single number.
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How much does a private inflammation marker test cost in London?
CRP or ESR alone is typically £30–£60; the two together £50–£100; hsCRP £70–£140; a full inflammation and autoimmune panel £250–£500; and a panel with rheumatology review £450–£900.
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Do I need a referral?
No. Most inflammation markers accept self-referral. If the picture suggests autoimmune disease or vasculitis we arrange a consultant rheumatologist to see you.
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How quickly do I get results?
CRP and ESR are usually back within 24 hours. hsCRP within 24–48 hours. A full autoimmune panel takes 5–7 days.
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When should temporal arteritis be suspected?
A new headache, scalp tenderness, jaw claudication or sudden visual change in someone over 50 — especially with a raised ESR or CRP — is a medical urgency. Do not wait for a private appointment. Contact your GP or the eye casualty service the same day; steroids may need to start before biopsy.
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When should I see a GP urgently instead?
Fever with confusion, a non-blanching rash, severe abdominal pain, sudden visual loss, or any sign of sepsis — go to A&E today. Private inflammation markers are not the right first step in a genuine emergency.
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