COPD blood testing looks at signals of inflammation, infection, and protein status that reflect how stressed your lungs and whole body are. Superpower tests your blood for WBC, Neutrophils, CRP, and Albumin. White blood cells and neutrophils rise when your immune system is activated by infection or an exacerbation. C‑reactive protein (CRP) is an acute‑phase marker of systemic inflammation. Albumin is a “negative acute‑phase” protein that drops with sustained inflammation or poor protein status. These markers don’t diagnose COPD; they show the systemic load that often accompanies COPD and help track stability, flares, and recovery.

Because COPD is a lung disease with whole‑body effects. Elevated WBC, neutrophils, and CRP signal active inflammation or infection that can worsen breathing and recovery. Low albumin suggests chronic inflammation or poor protein status and is linked with frailty. Together, these markers help distinguish a true exacerbation from day‑to‑day variability, gauge severity, and monitor response to treatment. They complement, but do not replace, symptoms, oximetry, and lung function. Seeing the systemic picture helps you and your clinician understand risk and timing—when you’re stable, flaring, or back to baseline.

Yes. With Superpower, our team member can organize a blood draw in your home. We handle scheduling, logistics, and safe sample transport to the lab. You get results digitally without traveling to a clinic.

There isn’t one schedule for everyone. Get a baseline when you feel well, test during suspected flares to confirm inflammation or infection, and recheck after recovery if needed to document a return to baseline. People with frequent exacerbations or advanced disease benefit from more frequent checks; those who are stable need them less often. Use results alongside symptoms and lung function to decide when repeat testing adds value.

Recent infections, exacerbations, surgery, trauma, or vaccinations can raise WBC, neutrophils, and CRP. Corticosteroids can increase neutrophils and shift WBC counts. Smoking, acute stress, and hard exercise can transiently elevate inflammatory markers. Albumin can fall with inflammation, poor protein intake, liver disease, kidney protein loss, or dilution from excess fluids, and can rise with dehydration. Pregnancy and altitude changes also influence results. These markers are sensitive but not specific, so context matters.

No special preparation is required. Fasting is not needed. Being well hydrated can make the draw easier and avoids falsely high albumin from dehydration. For a true baseline, test when you are clinically stable and not immediately after strenuous exercise or an acute illness. Be aware that medicines like corticosteroids and some anti‑inflammatories can alter results.

Yes. Changes that reduce systemic inflammation tend to lower CRP and WBC/neutrophils, while improved overall health and adequate protein status support higher, normal albumin. Smoking status, body weight, physical activity, sleep quality, and intercurrent infections all influence these markers over time. Preventing exacerbations is the strongest way to keep inflammatory markers steady.

High WBC with neutrophilia and an elevated CRP points to active systemic inflammation, often from infection or an exacerbation. A normal WBC and CRP suggest no significant systemic inflammation at the time of testing. Low albumin indicates sustained inflammation, poor protein status, or loss/dilution and is associated with higher vulnerability. Normal albumin supports stability. These signals are non‑specific and work best when interpreted alongside symptoms, oximetry, spirometry, and prior results to see trend and context.