Which laboratory test is indicative of generalized inflammation?

C-reactive protein (CRP) is a substance produced by the liver in response to inflammation. It is part of the acute phase response and is commonly measured to assess the presence and severity of inflammation in the body. Elevated levels of CRP in the bloodstream indicate that there is ongoing inflammation, which could be due to a variety of conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, or chronic inflammatory diseases.

While other tests, such as the white blood cell count, complete blood count, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate, can also provide information about inflammation, they are not as specific or directly indicative of generalized inflammation as CRP. For instance, a heightened white blood cell count may suggest an immune response but does not specifically measure inflammation itself. Similarly, the complete blood count provides information about various blood components but is not focussed solely on inflammation. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube, which can be indicative of inflammation but is less specific than CRP.

In summary, C-reactive protein is a primary indicator of generalized inflammation, making it the most appropriate answer in this context.