What is a sedimentation rate blood test?
A sedimentation rate blood test, also known as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or Westergren test, measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood. The ESR is a non-specific measure of inflammation and can be used to help diagnose conditions such as infection, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and pregnancy. The test is usually performed on a venous blood sample, drawn from a vein in the arm. The ESR is increased in conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and temporal arteritis. It can also be elevated in response to some medications such as aspirin.
What does the sedimentation rate blood test measure?
The sedimentation rate blood test is a measure of how quickly red blood cells (RBCs) fall to the bottom of a tube of blood. The faster they fall, the higher the sedimentation rate. This test is used to help diagnose conditions such as inflammation, infection, or cancer. It can also be used to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. The sedimentation rate is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).
What are some common conditions that can be detected with a sedimentation rate blood test?
One common condition that can be detected with a sedimentation rate blood test is an infection. If you are experiencing symptoms such as a fever, swollen lymph nodes, or a rash, your doctor may order a sedimentation rate test to help determine if you have an infection.
Another common condition that can be detected with a sedimentation rate blood test is lupus. Lupus is an autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation and pain in various parts of the body. A sedimentation rate blood test can help your doctor determine if you have lupus and rule out other potential causes of your symptoms.
Lastly, a sedimentation rate blood test can also be used to screen for cancer. If you are experiencing any unusual symptoms, your doctor may order a sedimentation rate blood test to see if there is an underlying cancerous tumor causing the problems.
How is the sedimentation rate blood test administered?
A health care provider will draw blood from a vein in your arm and then place the blood in a special tube. The tube is then placed in a machine that measures how quickly the red blood cells fall to the bottom of the tube.
You may be asked to fast before you have this test done. This means you should not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your test.
What are the possible risks and side effects associated with the sedimentation rate blood test?
When a person is given a sedimentation rate blood test, there are possible risks and side effects that they should be aware of. One of the most common risks is that of a false positive. This can happen if someone has an infection or another condition that causes their sed rate to increase, but they are not actually suffering from any inflammation. If this occurs, the person may be given unnecessary treatment or have to undergo additional testing.
Another potential risk associated with the sedimentation rate blood test is that it can cause an increased heart rate or other adverse reactions in some people. Additionally, after taking the test, people should be aware of any symptoms that could indicate a problem such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or swelling in the ankles or feet.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a sedimentation rate blood test is a simple and non-invasive way to measure inflammation in the body. It can be helpful in diagnosing conditions such as lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, and polymyalgia rheumatica. The sedimentation rate blood test can be ordered online and you do not need a doctor’s note.
