Erythrocytes are red blood cells in blood (RBCs). Rate of sedimentation of erythrocytes is a measure of how fast red blood cells separate from rest of the blood. The settling down of red blood cells in a tube (Westergren tube)...
What is erythrocyte sedimentation rate?
Erythrocytes are red blood cells in blood (RBCs). Rate of sedimentation of erythrocytes is a measure of how fast red blood cells separate from rest of the blood. The settling down of red blood cells in a tube (Westergren tube) under the influence of gravity is called sedimentation.
What is ESR test and why is it done?
Normally, erythrocytes settle slowly but if there is some issue in the body, the sedimentation rate of erythrocyte is affected. Red blood cells start clumping together in case of inflammation in the body, and start settling down at a faster pace as compared to normal circumstances.
ESR test is a hematology test (blood test) performed in order to check for inflammation in the body. Reasons for inflammation can be multiple and to identify the root cause of increased inflammation, further diagnosis is required.
The Westergren method for ESR blood testing is used all around the world due to its reproducibility over decades. Westergren method is approved by International Committee for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH).
When should I get an ESR blood test done?
It is for the doctor to diagnose the need for getting an ESR test. After examination of all symptoms, if the doctor feels the need for ESR test due to suspected inflammation in the body, he/she will prescribe this test.
Inflammation is an indicator of some disease, underlying condition or malfunction of some organ or body system.
The root cause of inflammation in body can only be known after further diagnosis but here are some of the commonly diagnosed causes of inflammation in the body:
- Autoimmune disorder
- Tumor in body
- In case of infections
What is the procedure of ESR test?
The procedure of ESR test is quite simple. The tube used for ESR test is called Westergren tube, which is made up of either glass or plastic.
Following steps are performed in ESR test:
- A healthcare professional takes required amount of blood from vein in arm of an individual.
- The blood sample is mixed with an anticoagulant, such as Sodium citrate, so as to prevent clotting of blood.
- The blood sample is poured into an upright tube and the tube is inserted into vacuum, left undisturbed.
- After one hour the tube is observed to check the distance in mm covered by red blood cells towards the bottom of tube.
- The rate of sedimentation is reported in mm/hour.
How to prepare for ESR test?
There is no preparation required before getting an ESR test. It may also be noted that if you have to give blood sample for some other hematology test, fasting maybe required. Consult your doctor regarding this.
What are the causes of high ESR?
As mentioned earlier, High ESR value depicts inflammation occurring in the body due to some reason. Red blood cells have negative charges on their surface. When there is inflammation in body, some positively charged proteins get attached to the surface of RBCs, neutralizing negative charge, resulting in clumping of red blood cells. It is because of clumping, the weight of RBCs increases and they tend to settle faster towards the bottom. When RBCs settle faster, it results in high ESR value in report.
How to read ESR test report?
ESR result will have value reported in mm/hour.
Diagnostic labs write the normal range for ESR value on the report itself. The normal value range varies from lab to lab. It also depends on gender and age. For instance, females have a higher ESR normal value as compared to males. Normal ESR value also increases with age.
Slightly high or low ESR value is not alarming, and can be due to environmental factors.
Following are normal values of ESR test as per Westergren method (rough estimates, for proper information consult your doctor):
For children, ESR value should be <10 mm/hour
For females:
Below 50 years age, ESR value <20mm/hour
Above 50 years age, ESR value <30mm/hour
For males:
Below 50 years age, ESR value <15mm/hour
Above 50 years age, ESR value <20mm/hour
Best Diagnostic Centre for getting ESR test done in Delhi NCR?
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is the best option for getting all types of routine examination, diagnostic tests and imaging done. When it comes to pathology testing, it is advised to choose a trusted and established diagnostic lab due to safety reasons. Hence, Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is the best for getting ESR test done.
ESR tests available at Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre:
ESR Westergren Test at 130 65 INR
CBC with ESR Test at 500 250 INR
Why choose Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre over others?
Although there are many good options in Delhi NCR, but your preference should be Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre because:
NABH and NABL Accreditations – serve as a proof of excellent service and care to its patients
Laboratories equipped with top-notch equipment
Pathology testing is operational 24x7, 365days. Hence, patients can rely upon Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre at any time for service.
Free home sample collection aids the patients in getting tests done in the comfort of their homes
Reports are available within 24 hours of sample collection.
Reports are available digitally too.
Reports are 100% accurate.
Currently giving FLAT 50% OFF on many tests
Tests are reasonably priced, keeping patient’s welfare and affordability in mind.
A team of skilled and professional radiologists, pathologists and technicians
Ganesh Diagnostic and Imaging Centre is empanelled with various prestigious government and private organizations such as:
- ESIC
- CGHS NHA
- NCDC
- NDMC
- DGEHS
- ECHS
- DELHI JAL BOARD
- DAK
- RAILWAYS
- BSES YAMUNA/ RAJDHANI POWER LTD
- SANJAY GANDHI HOSPITAL
- TATA POWER LTD
- BABA SAHEB AMBEDKAR HOSPITAL
- BJRM HOSPITAL
- ICAR
- BHAGWAN MAHAVIR GOVERNMENT HOSPITAL
- MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ESR blood test:
Why is ESR test done?
ESR test is done to find out the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells (erythrocytes). Higher than usual rate of sedimentation is an indicator of inflammation in the body.
What ESR level is alarming?
Although normal ESR level is subject to age, gender, medical history and laboratory as well. Slightly higher value is not alarming. Consult your doctor if your ESR value is higher than normal.
Following information can be referred to get a rough estimate of normal ESR value:
For children, ESR value should be <10 mm/hour
For females:
Below 50 years age, ESR value <20mm/hour
Above 50 years age, ESR value <30mm/hour
For males:
Below 50 years age, ESR value <15mm/hour
Above 50 years age, ESR value <20mm/hour
What does it mean if ESR is high?
High ESR indicates inflammation in body. Inflammation can occur due to a number of reasons such as:
- Infection in body
- Autoimmune disorder
- Tumor in body
It is advised to consult your doctor for further diagnosis of exact cause of inflammation.
What to do if ESR is high?
ESR is high in case of inflammatory condition in body. For knowing the exact cause of inflammation, further diagnosis is required, consult your doctor.
What conditions result in High ESR value?
Following conditions can lead to high ESR value:
- Autoimmune disorders such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Grave’s disease and Hashimoto’s disease
- Most infectious agents cause inflammation in the body
- Cancer also causes inflammation in the body
What conditions result in Low ESR value?
Some conditions which interfere with RBCs shape, size and number can cause lower ESR values. For example:
Polycythemia - a condition in which the numbers of RBCs increase, resulting in more viscous blood
Sickle cell anemia - sickle shaped RBCs also lower ESR rates.
