This article will discuss the ESR diagnostic test. We will also address some common questions related to the ESR test.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is a test that is part of haematology, it focuses on the study of blood, blood-forming and blood disorders. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is a simple and common blood test. It measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of the tube containing blood samples, and the speed at which this occurs. The ESR test is widely used as an indicator of inflammation in the body. The speed at which the red blood cells settle provides valuable information about various medical conditions. It is a key part of haematology, it helps physicians assess the health of the blood and detect any abnormalities.
This test focuses on the behaviour of the main key component of blood - the red blood cells (RBCs), these RBCs are responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body, and their behaviour and working are essential to understanding haematological conditions. This rate of cell settlement can be influenced by various factors which are related to blood composition, and abnormalities. Abnormality in this sedimentation rate can pinpoint some issues such as,
Inflammatory Diseases
ESR values are often elevated when there is an inflammation in the body, it is helpful indicator of:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
(RA), ESR is generally increased in RA due to chronic inflammation in the joints. RA is an auto-immune disease that causes inflammation in the joints, the more the ESR the more likely;y it is that there is significant inflammation occurring in the body. This makes ESR a very useful marker for monitoring the activities and severity of arthritis.
- Lupus Erythematosus,
It is an auto-immune disease, in this disease bodies immune system, attacks its own body, leading to systemic inflammation. In the case of Lupus ESR is elevated Lupus causes widespread inflammation throughout the body, affecting various organs and tissues, including skin, joints, kidneys and heart. ESR is a nonspecific marker of inflammation. It will elevate in conditions that involve inflammation. ESR helps gauge the level of inflammation and monitor disease activities. Because it is a nonspecific marker, it is used with a combination of other tests like ANA- anti-nuclear antibodies.
- Vasculitis
Inflammation in blood vessels affects organs and tissues leading to a raised ESR. In vasculitis protein level in blood is increased leading to quick settlement of blood cells. Blood vessel walls become inflamed, triggering an immune response that leads to tissue damage. Higher levels of ESR values indicate more disease activities whereas lower values suggest less inflammation activities.
Infection
Bacterial, fungal and viral infection can cause elevation in ESR values. As a nonspecific marker, it indicates that the body is responding to an infection,
- Tuberculosis (TB)
This infectious disease is caused by bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis leading to inflammation in the body, particularly in the lungs. As a chronic inflammation response in the body, protein like fibrinogen in blood increases. These proteins make red blood cells clump together and settle faster, leading increased ESR
Endocarditis
Infection of the inner lining of the heart chamber and valves can lead to increased ESR levels. This is because endocarditis causes significant inflammation in the heart, either due to bacterial or fungal infection leading to an increase in the inflammation markers in the blood. ESR is used to monitor disease and response to treatment. Other infections like Pneumonia, osteomyelitis and some urinary tract infections.
Autoimmune Disease
The immune system in these conditions mistakenly attacks healthy tissues leading to inflammation.
Blood Disorders
Certain blood-related conditions, particularly those associated with abnormal red blood cell behaviour affect ESR results,
- Anemia,
Various forms of anemia especially Iron-deficiency anemia affect ESR level the rate at which blood cells will settle. Anaemia can either elevate or decrease ESR level depending on the specific type.
- Myeloma,
Cancer of plasma cells causes an increase in protein level leading to inflammation.
- Other conditions
Other Issues That Can Increase ESR Level
- Pregnancy, in pregnancy mild increase in ESR due to physiological changes occur especially in the second and third trimesters. The increase in ESR level is due to hormonal change, plasma expansion and increased fibrinogen.
- Obesity, People with higher Body Mass indexes (BMI), might have slightly increased levels of ESR. Because obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation in the body.
What is the Procedure of the ESR Test?
ESR is a simple blood test used to measure the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube over an hour. The procedure involved drawing a blood sample and placing it in a special tube to observe the sedimentation of RBCs. A blood sample is placed into a specialized tube which is designed for the ESR test. It is made of glass and is around 100 mm in length. The tube is then placed in an upright position in a rack and over an hour. The blood settlement is observed, RBCs settle to the bottom and plasma remains on top. The rate at which Red blood cells settle is measured in millimetres per hour (mm/hr). Measurement of the plasma layer from the top is measured and recorded. This determines the distance the red blood cells have fallen from the top of the tube.
The normal range for men- is 0- 15 mm/hr and for females normal ESR is 0- 20 mm/hr (in older age esr is slightly elevated).
This routine blood test provides valuable information about the level of inflammation in the body, the procedure is very simple and helps in assessing a variety of conditions in the field of haematology, and immunology. It is a vital tool for healthcare professionals in diagnosing and managing diseases.
Which Diagnostic Centre is Best for ESR Test in Delhi?
Ganesh Diagnostic is the best pathology diagnostic centre that provides the best ESR test in Delhi. Patients can click here to book the test online. The test is backed by NABL accreditations. Ganesh Diagnostic provides the best test results at affordable prices.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the ESR Test?
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate) is a haematology test used to check the sedimentation rate of the blood cells in the tube.
When to go for the ESR Test?
A person can go ESR test when he suspects some issues with blood or blood-related conditions.
What is the full form of ESR?
ESR full form is Erythrocyte Sedimentation rate.
Which diseases are diagnosed by the ESR Test?
Various diseases diagnosed by ESR test include arthritis, inflammatory bowel syndrome, lupus, cancer etc..
How to book an online appointment for an ESR Test in Delhi?
Patients can call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 or visit Ganesh's diagnostic website to book an appointment for an ESR Test in Delhi.
How can Patients download ESR Test Test Reports Online?
Patients can visit Ganesh's diagnostic website or call at 011-47-444-444 / 011-47-333-333 to download the ESR Test test report online.
Which Ganesh Diagnostic Centre is near me in Delhi for the ESR Test Tests?
Ganesh Diagnostic centres for ESR Test tests are in Rohini, Nangloi, Model Town, Hari Nagar, Mangol Puri, and Yamuna Vihar.
