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What is an indicator of inflammation commonly measured in the blood?
Red blood cell count
White blood cell count
C-reactive protein
Hemoglobin
The correct answer is: C-reactive protein
C-reactive protein is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Its levels in the blood increase significantly during acute inflammatory processes, making it a reliable indicator for detecting inflammation in various medical conditions. The measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) is commonly utilized in clinical practice to assess the presence and intensity of inflammation, which can be helpful in diagnosing and monitoring diseases such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and chronic inflammatory conditions. Other options, while related to blood measurements, do not serve the same specific role in indicating inflammation. For instance, the white blood cell count can indicate inflammation as well, but it is more of a general marker of an immune response rather than a direct indicator. Red blood cell count and hemoglobin primarily assess anemia and overall blood health, and they do not reflect the inflammatory processes in the body. Therefore, C-reactive protein stands out as the most definitive choice for measuring inflammation in the context of this question.