Overview:

SAA is an acute-phase protein, which means its levels increase during inflammation or infection. It plays a role in the immune response and helps to recruit white blood cells to sites of infection or injury.

Risk Assessment:

The test is generally used to assess:

• Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Infections (bacterial or viral)
• Chronic conditions (e.g., cardiovascular disease, certain cancers)
• Post-surgical recovery or any condition causing acute inflammation.

Interpretation:

• Normal range: SAA levels can vary depending on the laboratory, but typically, the normal range for adults is less than 10 mg/L. It may be slightly higher in certain situations, such as during pregnancy or after surgery.

  • Elevated SAA: Suggests the presence of acute or chronic inflammation, infection, or some other medical condition like cancer or cardiovascular disease.

  • Very high levels: Can indicate severe infection or inflammation, such as sepsis or autoimmune disorders.

  • Lower levels: May be seen in individuals without inflammation or in those with conditions that suppress the immune system.

Sample Type

Blood: A blood sample (serum) is typically required for this test. This is usually drawn from a vein in your arm.