The ESR test helps detect inflammation that may be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or other medical conditions. Learn about the ESR test normal range, high ESR test levels, and ESR test cost.
What is the ESR Test?
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. When inflammation is present, red blood cells clump together and become heavier, settling faster. An ESR test indirectly indicates the level of inflammation in your body.
ESR Test Normal Range and High Levels
The ESR test normal range varies by age and gender. For men over 50, a normal ESR is less than 20 mm/hr. Women over 50 should have an ESR below 30 mm/hr.
ESR test high levels may indicate inflammation due to various conditions such as:
- Autoimmune disorders (lupus, rheumatoid arthritis)
- Infections (systemic, bone, tuberculosis)
- Cancers (lymphoma, multiple myeloma)
- Other conditions (kidney disease, thyroid disease, pregnancy)
Uses of the ESR Test
- Inflammation Detection: The ESR test helps detect inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, or other inflammatory conditions.
- Autoimmune Condition Diagnosis: It aids in diagnosing and monitoring autoimmune disorders like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica.
- Infection Identification: An elevated ESR may indicate systemic infections, bone infections, or severe skin infections.
- Treatment Response Monitoring: The EST test is also useful for tracking if an illness is responding to treatment.
Condition
ESR Role
Autoimmune Disorders
Diagnosis and monitoring
Infections
Detection of systemic or localized infections
Cancers
May be elevated in certain cancers
Treatment Response
Monitoring effectiveness of treatment
Interpreting ESR Test Results
While high ESR test levels suggest inflammation, it does not diagnose specific diseases. Low ESR levels may occur in conditions like congestive heart failure or polycythemia. The ESR test is often used alongside other diagnostic tests like C-Reactive Protein (CRP) for more precise diagnosis.
Preparing for the ESR Test
You do not need any special preparation for the ESR test. There is no need to fast or stop medications before the blood sample is drawn. The test is performed by collecting a blood sample, which is then analysed in a laboratory to measure the sedimentation rate.
ESR Test Price and Accessibility
The ESR test cost is affordable, and the test is widely available at most diagnostic laboratories. The ESR test price may vary slightly between labs but is generally inexpensive. Ask your doctor about getting an ESR test at a lab near you.
Conclusion
The ESR test is a valuable tool for detecting an inflammation and monitoring various conditions. While it does not diagnose specific diseases, it provides important clues and is often used in combination with other tests.
If you have symptoms suggesting inflammation or are being monitored for autoimmune disorders or infections, your doctor may recommend an ESR test. The test is simple, affordable, and widely accessible.
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