ESR Test/Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test
ESR Test. Mobile Number 01797522136. The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. It’s a non-specific indicator of inflammation, meaning it can suggest the presence of inflammation but not pinpoint its cause or location.
Causes of High ESR
- Inflammatory Conditions: Arthritis (including rheumatoid arthritis and polymyalgia rheumatica), lupus, vasculitis, and other inflammatory diseases.
- Infections:Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can trigger inflammation and elevate ESR.
- Cancer:Certain types of cancer, particularly those that cause inflammation, can lead to elevated ESR.
- Autoimmune Diseases:Conditions where the body’s immune system attacks its own tissues, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.
- Other Conditions:Anemia, pregnancy, kidney disease, and certain medications can also affect ESR levels.
Indications for ESR Test:
- Suspected Inflammation:When a patient exhibits symptoms like fever, joint pain, fatigue, or unexplained weight loss.
- Monitoring Inflammatory Conditions:To track the effectiveness of treatment for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or vasculitis.
- Diagnosing Certain Conditions:In conjunction with other tests, ESR can help diagnose conditions like temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Assessing General Health:As part of a routine check-up or for individuals with risk factors for inflammatory diseases.
Procedure for ESR Test
- A healthcare professional will draw a blood sample from a vein, usually in the arm.
- The blood sample is placed in a special tube and allowed to stand for a set period (usually one hour).
- The distance (in millimeters) that the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the tube is measured.
Normal Range of ESR Test
- Men: 0 to 15 mm/hr.
- Women: 0 to 20 mm/hr.
- Slightly higher levels may be seen in women due to hormonal factors, and levels can also increase with age.
Precautions of ESR Test
- No special preparation is usually needed for the ESR test.
- Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some can affect the results according to Apollo 247.
- Inform your doctor about any health conditions you have, such as pregnancy, infection, or menstruation, as these can also affect the results.
Pathological (Abnormal) Conditions of ESR Test
- High ESR: Indicates inflammation or other underlying conditions.
- Low ESR: Can occur in some cases and may be associated with conditions like polycythemia or severe heart failure
Normal Conditions of ESR Test
- Low ESR: A normal ESR reading is within the ranges mentioned above.
- Stable ESR: A stable ESR reading over time, without significant fluctuations, may indicate that a chronic condition is well-managed.
Price of ESR Test in Bangladesh:
The price of an ESR test can vary depending on the healthcare provider and whether it’s done as part of a package or as a standalone test. Ibrahim Cardiac Hospital & Research Institute provides a price of ৳580 for CBC with ESR. You should contact a local lab or hospital for the most accurate pricing information.