What is an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a type of blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a test tube that contains a blood sample. Normally, red blood cells settle relatively slowly. A faster-than-normal rate may indicate inflammation in the body. Inflammation is part of your immune response system. It can be a reaction to an infection or injury. Inflammation may also be a sign of chronic disease, an immune disorder, or other medical conditions.
What is it used for?
An ESR test can help determine if you have a condition that causes inflammation. These include arthritis, vasculitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. An ESR may also be used to monitor an existing condition.
Why do I need an ESR?
Your healthcare provider may order an ESR if you have symptoms of an inflammatory disorder. These include:
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Weight loss
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Joint stiffness
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Neck or shoulder pain
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Loss of appetite
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Anemia
What happens during an ESR?
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes. At SOUTH PUNJAB LAB this test is done by MINDRAY-BC 6200.