Posted by An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is a blood test that can reveal inflammation in the body. A high ESR may be a sign of conditions such as infection, cancer, or autoimmune disease. The test is also called a sed rate or sedimentation rate. It’s sometimes used to help diagnose or monitor conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other inflammatory diseases. In this article, we will discuss the ESR test procedure, results, and risks in more detail.
ESR tests are usually performed as part of a routine health checkup. The test is quick and easy, and it usually doesn’t require any special preparation. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in your arm, and the sample is then sent to a lab for analysis. The results of the test are typically available within a few days.
Procedure for an ESR test
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that measures inflammation in the body. The test is used to help diagnose conditions such as infection, autoimmune disorders, and some types of cancer.
The ESR test is a simple procedure. A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm and sent to a lab for analysis. The results of the test are usually available within a few days.
There are no risks associated with the ESR test. The procedure is quick and easy, and it does not require any special preparation on the part of the person being tested.
What do the results of an ESR test mean?
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a tube of unclotted blood. The sedimentation rate is the speed at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube.
A high ESR may be due to:
– inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
– infections
– some cancers
– other medical conditions
A low ESR may be due to:
– anemia
– polycythemia (a condition in which there are too many red blood cells)
Risks of an ESR test
There are very few risks associated with an ESR test. The most common complication is a false-positive result, which can occur if there is inflammation in the body unrelated to cancer. In rare cases, the needle used to draw blood from the vein may damage the nerve or cause bleeding.
Alternatives to an ESR test
There are a few alternatives to an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test. One is the C-reactive protein (CRP) test, which measures levels of CRP in the blood. CRP is a protein that’s produced in response to inflammation. A high level of CRP in the blood is a sign of inflammation.
Another alternative to an ESR test is the leukocyte alkaline phosphatase (LAP) test. This test measures levels of LAP in the blood. LAP is an enzyme that’s produced by white blood cells. A high level of LAP in the blood is a sign of inflammation.
The last alternative to an ESR test is the plasma viscosity (PV) test. This test measures the thickness of your blood. A high PV means that your blood is thicker than normal, which can be a sign of inflammation.
Conclusion
The ESR test is a quick and easy way to check for inflammation in the body. It is generally a safe procedure with few risks. The results of an ESR test can help doctors diagnose conditions such as infection, arthritis, and cancer.