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Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test
The Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (or ESR) test is, a blood test used to monitor inflammation in the body. The test measures the rate at which red blood cells separate from serum and settle to the bottom of a test tube. High sedimentation rates indicate a high inflammation level.
The ESR test can help physicians diagnose certain conditions, such as anemia and chronic inflammation. However, the test is not very sensitive, often used in combination with other tests to confirm a diagnosis. The ESR is also useful for tracking the progression of certain diseases.
The ESR test is, performed with blood collected from the patient. It can be performed at the clinic or in a laboratory. The procedure involves obtaining a sample of blood from a vein. The skin is, cleansed using an alcohol pad, and a needle is, inserted into the vein. The blood is then collected and stored in a tube, labeled with the patient’s name and then sent to a laboratory for testing.
The ESR is, measured in millimeters per hour, and higher numbers indicate a higher risk of inflammation. The ESR is higher in women than in men, and older people tend to have higher ESR levels. Some factors that increase the ESR include anemia, pregnancy, and RBC abnormalities. An ESR should perform within two hours after blood is, drawn. Blood that has been standing for too long tends to be spherical and may not stack properly. Further, conditions such as anisocytosis or poikilocytosis may interfere with the stacking of erythrocytes.
The ESR test can also be used to rule out autoimmune diseases. An ESR within the normal range can help steer a rheumatologist away from a diagnosis of autoimmune arthritis. An elevated ESR can also help differentiate osteoarthritis from autoimmune inflammatory arthritis.
The ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle after blood is, drawn. If the red blood cells are, inflamed they will settle at a faster rate. If there is no inflammation, they will settle more slowly. A low ESR indicates no inflammation, while a high ESR indicates inflammation.
Procedure
The ESR test, often performed in conjunction with other tests to determine the severity of inflammation in the body. It measures the fall rate of the red blood cells and reported in millimeters per hour (mm/h). If the ESR elevates, the RBCs are falling more rapidly than expected. This cause by the presence of extra protein within the cells and their tendency to stick together.
There are two basic methods, used for the ESR measurement. One is the Westergren method, and the other is the Wintrobe method. Both methods are, considered valid but produce slightly different results. Typically, the Westergren method is, used in laboratory settings. The Westergren method is considered the gold standard.
The Westergren method measures ESR in millimeters per hour in an internal tube 2.5 cm in diameter. The test is performed while the clear plasma is still at the top of the tube. The test should be performed within two hours of collection of the blood. If the blood is re-drawn more than two hours later, the results will be affected by the temperature of the blood and other conditions.
ESR is an important test for monitoring the severity of the disease. Changes in the ESR can indicate tissue damage, disease severity, or treatment response. The test is also useful in monitoring treatment effectiveness. It is also useful in identifying any spherocytosis or other abnormalities in the RBCs.
The ESR test should perform as soon as possible. If the specimen is, stored in the refrigerator, the ESR must measure within eight hours. The sample should brought to room temperature as quickly as possible. A cooler temperature decreases the plasma viscosity, which will affect the ESR readings.
ESR measurement has evolved over the past several years. In recent years, a new instrument has been developed to measure ESR. But many community service centers do not have the means to buy this advanced equipment. Consequently, the sample testing conditions in different establishments vary widely.
Results
The ESR test may use to diagnose a range of illnesses. However, the results are not always helpful. Sometimes the results may be incorrect because there are other factors affecting the level. For example, exposure to direct sunlight can affect the texture of the blood sample. This may affect the ESR value, so a repeat sample may be necessary. Nevertheless, if you’re concerned about your ESR level, talk to your doctor. Be sure to let them know about any medications and supplements you’re taking.
To obtain the ESR, your doctor will need to draw blood from a vein in your arm. This will take about a minute and a half. The blood is then, placed into a thin tube. Then, the lab specialist will monitor the rate at which the red blood cells sink to the bottom. The lower the sedimentation rate, the less inflammation there is in your body.
The results of an ESR test are important because they can help your doctor rule out autoimmune diseases. When the ESR elevates, it may be a sign of a more serious condition. Your doctor will need to conduct additional lab tests to determine the precise cause of the inflammation. You should always discuss the results of your test with your doctor to get the right diagnosis.
The normal ESR level is between one and thirteen mm/hr. However, it can vary between individuals. Age and gender are two factors that may affect the ESR level. Moderately elevated levels of the ESR may be indicative of a healthy condition. Your doctor will look at the results in conjunction with other tests, as well as at your symptoms and medical history.
Your doctor will draw blood from a vein in your arm for the ESR test. This process usually takes about a minute. It’s recommended to inform your doctor about any medications you’re taking because they could affect your ESR levels.
Cost
An ESR test is typically, ordered in the context of monitoring the progress of a disease or to confirm a diagnosis of one. It cannot identify a specific disease, but can identify if there is inflammation in the blood. Further tests require to determine what is causing the inflammation. Cost of an ESR test depends on what type of test you need.
The cost of an ESR test varies greatly depending on the facility and services provided. Advanced laboratories and those with accreditations from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) may be more expensive. Moreover, high-tech laboratories that are, FDA-approved can provide accurate results. In most cases, the ESR test costs around Rs. 100, but you can also find cheaper labs if you compare prices online.
To obtain the results, a sample of your blood is, drawn. After a few minutes, the sample placed in a test tube is, allowed to sit for at least 60 minutes. This enables the lab specialist to monitor the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the tube. The faster the red blood cells sink, the higher their ESR value is. High ESR values can indicate inflammation in the body.
If your ESR is abnormally high, your doctor will likely order further tests to confirm that you do not have any medical problems. You may also be prescribed medication such as NSAIDs or corticosteroids to help manage your inflammation. A low ESR value may indicate pregnancy, menstruation, advancing age, or other conditions. In some cases, doctors will order additional tests and ask you to provide more clinical details.
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test is a simple blood test that can perform in a doctor’s office. The process usually takes only a few minutes and is safe. There may be some minor bleeding or a slight sting during the blood draw, but this is normal and usually does not affect the results.
An ESR test is a simple blood test that can detect inflammatory activity in the body. Though it does not give conclusive results, the test is useful for monitoring inflammation in the entire body. A fast ESR level means you have higher levels of specific proteins in your blood. These proteins are, released by the immune system in response to injury or infection. The test is a useful diagnostic tool that can use in various diseases.
