Orosomucoid - blood test for inflammation and disease assessment
S-Orosomucoid or a1-acid glycoprotein is an acute phase protein used to identify and monitor inflammatory conditions, liver diseases and kidney damage. It is a useful test for both acute and chronic diseases, as levels increase in cases such as long-term inflammation, autoimmune diseases and infections.
When should you test S-Orosomucoid?
An analysis of S-Orosomucoid can be valuable in the investigation of long-term inflammation, liver or kidney damage and in cases of suspected chronic diseases. The test is used to assess both acute and chronic inflammatory processes, and can complement other inflammation markers such as CRP. Since S-Orosomucoid changes more slowly than CRP, it can provide a more stable indication of persistent inflammatory conditions. Orosomucoid may be considered in:
- Suspected chronic inflammation – in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, SLE or inflammatory bowel disease.
- Follow-up of infections and acute inflammatory conditions.
- Liver disease – because S-Orosomucoid is produced in the liver and its levels can be affected by liver damage or impaired liver function.
- Kidney diseases, especially nephrotic syndrome, where the protein can provide insights into kidney function and protein losses.
- Cancer and postoperative recovery – where altered levels can provide information about the body's condition and recovery capacity.
The difference between S-Orosomucoid and CRP – When to choose which test?
Both S-Orosomucoid (ORM) and CRP (C-reactive protein) are markers of inflammation, but they have different properties and are used in different situations.
CRP – Fast and sensitive in acute conditions
CRP increases rapidly in acute infections and inflammatory reactions, making it a sensitive marker of short-term inflammation. However, levels can fall rapidly again when the inflammation subsides.
Useful when long-term inflammation is suspected
S-Orosomucoid increases more slowly than CRP and often remains elevated for longer in chronic inflammatory conditions. It is therefore a more stable measure of long-term inflammation and is used in the investigation of, for example, autoimmune diseases, chronic infections and liver diseases.
Orosomucoid test in long-term inflammation?
If you suspect chronic inflammation or have a disease that requires long-term monitoring, S-Orosomucoid can be a valuable complement to CRP. This can provide a more nuanced picture of inflammatory activity over time, especially in cases where CRP does not show clear changes.
