Research Tracker›Biomarker Atlas›Long COVID›Serum Amyloid A (SAA)

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Long COVID

In Long COVID (PASC, Post-Acute Sequelae of COVID-19), published studies report higher levels of Serum Amyloid A (SAA), also described as Acute phase protein, than in healthy controls. The cited literature links this alteration to systemic inflammation. The finding is drawn from Baalbaki et al. 2025; it describes group-level differences, not a threshold that classifies an individual.

↑ ElevatedInflammatoryLOINC 35648-5

Summary

Direction in Long COVID↑ Elevated — higher than in the comparison group
CategoryInflammatory
Also described asAcute phase protein
Compared againstHC (healthy controls)
Associated symptomsSystemic inflammation
Test typeBlood test (serum / plasma / whole blood)
LOINC code35648-5
SourceBaalbaki et al. 2025 — doi:10.1111/all.16526
Condition atlasLong COVID Biomarker Atlas

Trials, interventions and tests

In clinical-trial registrations this marker maps to the outcome term Change of Von Willebrand Factor over time-points (baseline, 4 weeks, 12 weeks, 12 weeks) via blood sample. (1 registered trials use a matching outcome measure).

Clinical trials using Serum Amyloid A (SAA) as an outcome

Commercial test availability

Serum Amyloid A (SAA) — specialty laboratory test.

Links are for reference only; availability, specimen requirements and coverage vary by location.

Related Inflammatory markers in Long COVID

Full list: Long COVID Biomarker Atlas.

Frequently asked questions

Is Serum Amyloid A (SAA) high or low in Long COVID?

Elevated. Studies summarised in the OSMF atlas report higher Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Long COVID than in healthy controls. Source: Baalbaki et al. 2025.

What symptoms is Serum Amyloid A (SAA) associated with in Long COVID?

The cited literature associates this marker with Systemic inflammation. These are population-level associations and do not mean the marker causes the symptoms.

Which test measures Serum Amyloid A (SAA)?

It is measured as a blood test (serum / plasma / whole blood). The standard laboratory code is LOINC 35648-5. Commercial laboratories such as LabCorp list an orderable assay.

Is one abnormal Serum Amyloid A (SAA) result diagnostic of Long COVID?

No. No single biomarker is diagnostic of Long COVID. Serum Amyloid A (SAA) findings come from group comparisons, overlap considerably between patients and controls, and vary with study design, timing and comparison group. A result should be interpreted by a clinician alongside symptoms, history and other tests.

Cite this page

Open Source Medicine Foundation. (2026). Serum Amyloid A (SAA) in Long COVID: direction, evidence and what it means. OSMF Research Tracker. Retrieved October 7, 2026, from https://research.opensourcemed.info/biomarkers/long-covid/serum-amyloid-a-saa.html
Get OSMF research updates. New biomarker, trial and treatment evidence summaries by email.
Subscribe on Substack

Last reviewed: 2026-06-29 · Page generated from long-covid.json · Browse: Long COVID atlas · Biomarker Index · All marker pages

Disclaimer: This page is an educational synthesis of published, peer-reviewed research and is not medical advice. Biomarker findings vary across studies with case definitions, comparison groups, timing and assay methods. Direction of change reflects the predominant finding in the cited source and does not establish a diagnostic threshold. Discuss any test result with a qualified clinician.