ESR Test: Now Get Price, Purpose, Procedure, Risk, Results [2024]
ESR test is a blood test that determines the rate at which blood cells settle at the bottom of the blood sample. ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) indicates the presence or absence of inflammation in the body. The full form of the ESR test is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate.
Depending on the symptoms your doctor might recommend other tests along with the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test. Moreover, there are many health conditions that cause variation in the ESR test.
ESR or (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) or SED Rate test measures the distance red blood cells tumble in a test tube in just 60 minutes. The farther the red blood cells have dipped, the more prominent the inflammatory reaction of your immune system.
Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | SED Test, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or ESR |
| Purpose | Inflammation or infection |
| Preparation | Overnight fasting is preferred |
| Fasting | Preferred |
| Reporting Time | 8 to 24 Hrs. |
| Price | Rs. 100 to Rs. 300 |
ESR Test Price
ESR test price ranges from Rs 100 to Rs 300. The actual price may differ depending on the diagnostic centre & city. However, it is a comparatively affordable test. You can check the prices in some popular diagnostic centres and cities in India.
Price in Popular Diagnostic Centers
| Name of Diagnostic Center | Test Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Dr Lal Pathlabs | Rs 130 |
| Vijaya Diagnostics | Rs 250 |
| SRL Diagnostics | Rs 128 |
| Metropolis Healthcare | Rs 130 |
Price in Cities
| Name of City | Test Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 50 to Rs 130 |
| Mumbai | Rs 50 to Rs 130 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 50 to Rs 175 |
| Bangalore | Rs 50 to Rs 130 |
| Chennai | Rs 50 to Rs 130 |
CBC ESR Test Cost
Often, a doctor recommends ESR along with a CBC test. CBC measures the different blood components counts in our body. It along with the ESR test helps in better diagnosis and access the impact of infection or inflammation on the different blood counts.
Thus, the table below lists the CBC with ESR test prices in different cities of India:
| Name of City | Test Price (Rs) |
|---|---|
| Delhi | Rs 300 to Rs 500 |
| Mumbai | Rs 250 to Rs 550 |
| Hyderabad | Rs 200 to Rs 475 |
| Bangalore | Rs 280 to Rs 500 |
| Chennai | Rs 216 to Rs 416 |
Purpose of the ESR Test
The purpose of the test is to diagnosis the presence of infections, inflammation, tumors, or autoimmune diseases.
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test is also helpful to monitor some of the following diseases as well.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
- Polymyalgia Rheumatic Inflammatory Bowel Disease
When to get ESR Test done
Common symptoms and conditions when a doctor may recommend this test is listed below
You must get your test done if you find any of the high ESR symptoms, which are mentioned below.
- Pain or stiffness in the joints in the morning that lasts longer
- Headache
- Sudden weight loss
- Presence of blood in stool
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Pelvic pain
- Pain in the neck and shoulder
- Anemia
- Loss of appetite
Watch ESR Test Video in Hindi
Procedure of ESR Test
It is a simple blood test thus the procedure is the same as any other blood test.
- A sample of blood is withdrawn, usually from a vein in the arms
- The site of vein puncture is cleaned
- A needle is inserted to draw blood
- The sample is collected and the site is covered with a small piece of bandage to stop bleeding
- The sample of blood is then sent to the laboratory
- Then, blood is placed in a special thin tube where the collected blood allows it to settle for an hour. During this period, the technician assesses how far the RBCs sink into the tube and at what rate they are sinking
- Inflammation can cause release of abnormal proteins to appear in your blood. These proteins, RCB’s adhere to each other and make them fall more quickly
Usually, the result is available within 24 hours after the test.
Preparation
The ESR test does not require any special preparation however overnight fasting is preferred.
If you are under any medication, inform your doctor. You might be asked to stop medicines because certain medicines affect the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test result.
Side Effects of the ESR test
It is a safe process and does not involve any risk or side effects.
However, people who are having sensitive skin might experience soreness and bruises at the site of vein puncture.
Risk of the ESR Test
- Slight pain at the needle area
- Causing blue and black marks, known as bruises
- Rare possibility of infection as a complication
Methods of ESR Test
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test is measured by the two methods:
Westergren Method
This is the most common method.
Wintrobe Method
The method of this test is the same as the Westergren method but this method is inferior in sensitivity level to the Westergren method.
ESR Test Result
It is an easy, simple, inexpensive & non-specific test. However, it is fairly accurate thus very commonly used.
Normal range
| Category | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 0-15 mm / hr |
| Women | 0-20 mm / hr |
| Children | 0-20 mm / hr |
You can download a sample report here.
High ESR Rate
The following factors contribute to the possibility of obtaining a high ESR rate:
- Inflammation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Kidney Disease
- Heart Disease
- Thyroid Disease
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease
- Rheumatic Fever
- Vascular Disease
- Cancer – Abnormally high ESR value
- Anemia
- Autoimmune Disease
- Infection
- Bone Infection
- Heart Infection like Myocarditis, Pericarditis, Endocarditis
- Rheumatic Fever
- Skin Infection
- Systemic Infections
- Tuberculosis (TB)
Low ESR Rate
The following factors contribute to the possibility of obtaining a low ESR rate:
- Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)
- Low Plasma Protein
- Polycythemia Vera
- Sickle Cell Anemia
- leukocytosis – which is a High White Blood Cell (WBC) count
Abnormal Range ESR Test Result
An abnormal ESR result does not signify any disease. It only indicates inflammation in the body. To understand the underlying cause of inflammation, a Doctor may use other tests to diagnose the disease or cause. Thus, it is often prescribed along with the following tests:
- CBC or CBP Test
- CRP Test
- Hb, TLC or DLC
Conclusion
ESR test results beyond the normal range can occur without any medical conditions. Your doctor will help you diagnose the cause if any medical condition is present.
Sources and References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erythrocyte_sedimentation_rate
₹99 ₹130
ESR Test
Dr Bhumika Rana
Dr Bhumika Rana is a Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery (B.A.M.S.). Earlier She was an Operation Specialist at AIIMS Delhi & a Medical officer with the National health mission.