Book ESR Test At Yakutpura Hyderabad

        (ESR) Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate 

Test Name: ESR

Sample Type: Sodium Citrate 1.8 

Price: 200/-

Cont: 9502246660

Report Delivery: Same Working Day

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test that can help detect inflammation in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specified period, usually one hour.

How ESR Works:

- Sample Collection: Blood is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm.

- Procedure: The blood sample is placed in a tall, thin tube. The red blood cells slowly settle and form a sediment at the bottom of the tube.

- Measurement: The rate at which the red blood cells fall (sediment) is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). The higher the rate, the more likely there is inflammation in the body.

What ESR Indicates:

- Inflammation: Elevated ESR levels can indicate inflammation caused by various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers.

- Chronic Diseases: It can help monitor the activity of chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and temporal arteritis.

- Infections: High ESR can point to infections like tuberculosis or bacterial endocarditis.

- Anemia: Some forms of anemia can also cause elevated ESR levels.

Factors Affecting ESR:

- Age and Sex: Normal ESR values can vary depending on age and sex. Generally, older individuals and females may have slightly higher normal values.

- Pregnancy: ESR can be elevated during pregnancy.

- Medications: Certain medications can influence ESR results.

Interpreting ESR Results:

- **Normal Range:** The normal range can vary slightly among laboratories, but generally:

  - Men: 0-15 mm/hr

  - Women: 0-20 mm/hr

  - Children: 0-10 mm/hr

- Elevated ESR: Higher than normal results may indicate inflammation, infection, or other medical conditions.

- Low ESR: While less common, lower ESR values can be seen in conditions such as polycythemia or leukocytosis.

 Limitations:

- Non-Specific: ESR is a non-specific test and does not pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation.

- **Used in Conjunction:** It's often used alongside other tests to diagnose and monitor conditions.

The ESR test is a simple and useful tool for detecting and monitoring inflammation, helping healthcare providers diagnose various conditions and track the effectiveness of treatments.