ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) near me in Bangalore

Also known as SED rate, Sedimentation rate, Westergren sedimentation rate

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

Overnight fasting is preferred.

Understanding ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) in Bangalore

What is ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) in Bangalore?

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test indicates the presence of inflammation in the body and is available at an affordable price in Bangalore with Tata 1mg labs. Inflammation is part of the body's defense mechanism against any infection, injury, or chronic disease. Any inflammation in the body could be a sign of chronic disease, an immune disorder, or other medical conditions. This test helps determine whether or not you have an active disease, but it cannot locate the cause of an inflammation.

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test may be performed as part of a routine health checkup or when you experience signs and symptoms like fever, joint stiffness, body pain, abdominal pain, or blood in the stool.

What does ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) measure?

An ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle (sediment) at the bottom of a tube that contains a blood sample in one hour.

When there is any inflammation in the body, certain proteins, mainly fibrinogen, increase in the blood. This increased amount of fibrinogen causes the red blood cells to form a stack (rouleaux formation) that settles quickly due to its high density, leading to an increase in the ESR.

An ESR test is a non-specific measure of inflammation and can be affected by conditions other than inflammation also. This test cannot identify the exact location of the inflammation in your body or what is causing it. Hence, an ESR test is usually prescribed along with a few other tests to identify or treat possible health concerns.

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) in Bangalore

Frequently Asked Questions about ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) in Bangalore

Q. Is there any risk associated with an ESR test?

There is usually no risk associated with this test. However, some people may feel a slight sting when a needle is pricked and may experience some bleeding that is normal and usually not bothersome. Rarely, some people may also experience slight swelling or bruising at the site of the needle prick. Applying ice 3-4 times a day for about a week may help reduce swelling and bruising. If it does not get better, consult your doctor.

Q. Is there any preparation required before an ESR test?

Generally, overnight fasting is preferred for an ESR test. However, it is not mandatory. It is also advised that you should inform the doctor about the medications you are taking as some medications, including estrogens, birth control pills, aspirin, prednisone, etc., may affect your test results.

Q. What can be the reason for high ESR?

High ESR may be seen due to tissue injury, inflammatory or infectious diseases, old age, anemia, diabetes, thyroid problems, obesity, heart disease, anemia, etc. Sometimes, certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma systemic, may also be a reason for high ESR.

Q. Is high ESR good or bad?

A moderate ESR may be due to conditions like pregnancy, menstruation, or anemia that might be normal and may not be suggestive of an inflammatory disease. However, the higher the ESR levels, the greater the chances of inflammation and that might suggest an inflammatory condition or infection.

Q. Why are the ESR levels high in women?

Women normally have slightly higher ESR levels than men. Causes of a high ESR count in females may include anemia, pregnancy, and other hormonal imbalances.

Q. What other tests might be recommended besides an ESR test?

Along with an ESR test, your doctor may recommend a CRP test, an ANA test (antinuclear antibody test), a Rheumatoid factor test, or blood cultures to identify suspected health concerns. If serious problems like cancer are suspected, serum electrophoresis may be done to look for evidence of cancers like multiple myeloma and lymphoma.

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