ESR Test: Price, Normal Range in Female, Male, & More

Nowadays, when infectious diseases and inflammatory conditions are prevalent, getting yourself routinely diagnosed is essential to identify abnormalities growing within even before the symptoms appear. One such test that holds immense significance in diagnosing and monitoring a wide range of health conditions is the ESR Test. ESR Test means Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test, which helps look for infections and inflammation early. While often suggested as a part of a routine full-body health checkup, it alone can also serve as a reliable diagnostic test. It measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of the tube over a specified period. It is because normally red blood cells sink slowly, but if there is some inflammation or infection present, they stick together in the form of clumps, which sink faster, indicating a problem. While the test doesn’t directly detect a certain medical condition, it serves as a valuable indicator of inflammation or infection in the body, prompting further evaluation. Inflammation is your immune system’s response to certain illnesses, injuries, and medical conditions that may need prompt action.

Your healthcare provider may advise the ESR Blood Test when you have symptoms suggesting a condition that causes inflammation. Getting tested in time is critical to identify the problem early and take charge of your health while there is still time. You can book an ESR Test at Home with Redcliffe Labs, as we provide a doorstep sample collection facility for maximum convenience. So, get tested in time to track changes in ESR levels and manage them with timely intervention.

What is an ESR Test?

The test detects the abnormal level of inflammation in the body. The test is not specific to any particular condition but rather serves as a general indicator of inflammation or tissue damage. The test helps to detect infections, autoimmune diseases, blood disorders, kidney diseases, tissue injury or damage, and many health problems. 

Test Details:

Also Known As	SED Rate Test, Sedimentation Rate Test, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test
Purpose	It helps to detect inflammation & infection and monitor various conditions, including infection, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers.
Preparation	Do not drink alcohol or smoke before the test
Fasting	No Fasting Required
Get Reports Within	Same Day
ESR Test Cost	INR 117

What is the Purpose of the ESR Test?

It is recommended for several reasons, including:

• Diagnose Infection: ESR can also indicate the presence of infections and is often used with other tests to confirm the diagnosis. Early indication allows for timely diagnosis and better management with minimum complications.
• To Detect Inflammation: While non-specific, it is still a marker of inflammation. It measures the rate RBCs take to settle down in the tube, and elevated ESR levels are usually a sign of inflammation in the body, which could be due to infection, autoimmune disorder, injury, and certain cancers. It may indicate the problem, prompting further evaluation, which helps diagnose the condition early, allowing better management,
• Monitor Certain Medical Conditions: Individuals with known inflammatory conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or more, can also benefit from the ESR Test, as it helps track any fluctuations in ESR levels to track disease activity and your body's response to treatment over time.
• Assess Certain Cancers: It helps diagnose certain infections and indicates certain cancers. Their monitoring aids in diagnosing and managing these conditions, allowing one to control them.

The ESR Test helps diagnose certain conditions and aids with treatment decisions and management strategies. So, whether your doctor has suggested an ESR Test as a part of a routine health checkup or the test alone, getting tested in time is critical to taking preventive measures.

Symptoms That May Prompt The Need For An ESR Test:

• Unexplained Fatigue: Unusual Persistent Fatigue, even after taking appropriate rest, could also indicate something unusual with your health, prompting further tests to confirm the diagnosis.
• Loss Of Appetite: The sudden change in your eating habits or appetite is also a sign that something might not be right with your health and may need immediate action.
• Respiratory Symptoms: Cold, cough, shortness of breath, or other respiratory-related symptoms indicate some infection or inflammation, prompting the need for an ESR Test and more.
• Chronic Pain or Infection: Unexplained pain or recurrent infection indicates something unusual, prompting an accurate diagnosis to manage the condition well.
• Persistent Fever: If you have an unexplained or recurrent fever without any known cause, it could be a sign of some inflammation or infection, and getting tested in time is critical to confirm the cause and take charge of health in time.
• Joint Pain & Swelling: The unusual pain or stiffness in joints accompanied by swelling could also indicate some inflammatory condition and call for timely action for accurate diagnosis.

While elevated ESR Levels indicate certain medical conditions, they are non-specific markers and may need further examination to find the underlying cause of the symptom and confirm the diagnosis. So, if your doctor has suggested an ESR Blood Test at home, book it with us now.

What does the ESR test measure?

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a vertical blood tube over a certain period. This measurement is a non-specific indicator of inflammation and can provide valuable information about the presence and extent of inflammation in the body. 

When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins called acute-phase reactants (such as fibrinogen and globulins) increase in concentration. These proteins can cause the red blood cells to clump together more easily, making them heavier and increasing their sedimentation rate. This phenomenon is what the ESR test measures. The ESR is typically reported in millimeters per hour (mm/hr), indicating the distance that the red blood cells have settled in the tube over one hour. A higher ESR value indicates a faster rate of sedimentation, which is often associated with increased inflammation or other health issues.

How should I Prepare for an ESR Test?

While it is a simple blood test that may require no special preparations, following certain measures is essential to be prepared and avoid inaccuracies in the test results.

• No dietary recommendations are to be followed, as no fasting is required. However, follow specific instructions your healthcare provider gives to ensure accuracy in the test results.
• Inform your doctor about any medications, be they prescribed, supplements, or herbal remedies you are taking, as they may influence ESR results. So, share it with your doctor and follow their specific instructions.
• Drinking adequate water and staying hydrated is also essential, making it easier for healthcare providers to draw blood.
• Try to remain calm or relaxed before and during the test, as stress can otherwise influence the blood flow and test results, leading to inaccuracies.
• Avoid physical exertion or stress, as these factors can influence the test results.
• If you have any known pregnancy or medical condition, it is always advisable to inform your doctor or phlebotomist before the test and follow their specific guidelines.

If you have any doubts or queries related to ESR Test Preparations, it is always advisable to discuss them with your healthcare provider to ensure accuracy in the test results.

The procedure of the ESR Test

The test involves drawing a blood sample from a vein in your arm. A healthcare professional will clean the area with an antiseptic, place a tourniquet above the area to make the veins more visible, and then insert a needle to collect the blood into a special tube. After the blood is collected, the tourniquet is released, and the needle is removed. Pressure and a bandage are applied to the puncture site to stop bleeding. After testing, the ESR test reports are usually available within a few hours to a day, depending on the laboratory's processing time.

What do the ESR test results indicate?

Interpreting the results of an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) test involves understanding the significance of the ESR value in the context of your overall health, symptoms, and medical history. ESR above the normal range shows inflammation in the body.  However, certain factors can affect the results. The ESR test is commonly ordered when the patient has symptoms of an inflammatory disease. It can also help the physician monitor the effectiveness of treatment. In addition, the test can be used to rule out autoimmune disorders. Your healthcare professional may recommend other tests based on symptoms and physical examination, such as C-reactive protein imaging tests, to identify the cause of elevated ESR levels in the blood.

What is the normal range of ESR in females?

The normal range of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is calculated using the Westergren method, considered a gold standard for measuring ESR. In this method, the blood sample is mixed with sodium citrate in a Westergren-Katz tube and is set vertically for one hour at room temperature. After an hour, how far the red blood cells have settled is measured.

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate or  ESR normal range test results typically lie between 0 to 20 millimeters per hour. The average reference range for ESR is approximately 1 – 20 mm/h for females. According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, the normal range of ESR in females at different age groups, when calculated using the Westergren method, is

S.No.	Age Group (years)	Normal ESR range (mm/h)
1.	< 20	0 – 10
2.	20 – 50	0 – 20
3.	> 50	0 – 30

ISO guidelines

What is the normal range of ESR in males?

The average reference range for ESR is approximately 1 – 13 mm/h for males. According to the University of Rochester Medical Centre, the normal range of ESR in males at different age groups, when calculated using the Westergren method, is

S.No.	Age Group (years)	Normal ESR range (mm/h)
1.	< 20	0 – 10
2.	20 – 50	0 – 15
3.	> 50	0 – 20

What happens if the ESR level is abnormal?

The abnormal levels of ESR can indicate different diseases depending upon how much variation there is from the reference range.

Low Levels of ESR

If the level of the ESR are lower than the reference range, it may be an indicator of one of the following health conditions:

• Leukaemia
• Sickle cell anemia
• Congestive heart failure
• High red blood cell and white blood cell count
• Increased blood thickness
• Low levels of the protein fibrinogen

High levels of ESR

If the ESR levels are slightly higher than the normal range, it might indicate one of the following health conditions:

• Anemia
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid disease
• Lymphoma
• Abnormalities in red blood cells
• Bone infection
• Tuberculosis
• Systemic infection
• Heart infection

If the levels of ESR in your test report are greater than 100 mm/h, it may be an indication of any of the following disorders:

• White blood cell cancer (Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia)
• Plasma cell cancer (multiple myeloma)
• Blood vessel inflammation (hypersensitivity vasculitis)
• Temporal arteritis

What is the cause of High ESR levels?

Many factors can contribute to elevated ESR levels. Here are some common causes:

• Infections
• Inflammatory Conditions
• Autoimmune Diseases
• Tissue Damage
• Certain Cancers
• Chronic Kidney Disease
• Pregnancy
• Certain Medications
• Aging
• Other Inflammatory States

Tips to Reduce high ESR level

There are some general tips that might help to reduce the high ESR level.

• Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced and nutritious diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats can help to reduce inflammation.
• Exercise: Regular physical activity can have anti-inflammatory effects. Start doing exercise daily for better health. 
• Stress Management: Stress can worsen the inflammation. Thus, practice meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga to manage stress.
• Sleep well: Prioritize your health and get enough sleep.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Avoid Smoking and Limit Alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can increase inflammation. It's better to limit and quit smoking and alcohol intake to prevent inflammation.
• Regular Checkups: Regular visits to your healthcare provider and ESR tests to monitor your health, track progress, and address any health conditions.

Takeaway

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) tells the rate at which your red blood cells settle down when kept at room temperature. The abnormal levels of ESR can be an indication of some underlying health disorders. Now that you know what the reference range of ESR is and what the abnormal levels of ESR may indicate, you can better study and analyze your test report.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the ESR test?

The ESR test is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube. It is a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body and is often used to help diagnose conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers.

2. How can I get my ESR test done?

You can get your ESR test done easily at Redcliffe labs. You can either call our center or book it directly through the official website for booking your test. In both cases, we will send our phlebotomist free of cost to collect your sample.

3. How much will the ESR test cost me?

At Redcliffe labs, we provide the Haemogram test that contains the CBC test and the ESR tests that cost Rs 399/-. However, you can get this test done at Rs 117/- all across India under special discounts.

ESR Test Cost in Different Cities

City Name	Discounted Price
Delhi	₹117
Noida	₹117
Mumbai	₹117
Bangalore	₹117
Kolkata	₹117
Pune	₹117
Lucknow	₹117
Ahmedabad	₹117
Hyderabad	₹117
Chennai	₹117
Gurgaon	₹117
Jaipur	₹117
Faridabad	₹117
Indore	₹117
Patna	₹117

4. When can a doctor recommend the ESR test?

Your doctor can recommend you the ESR test if you have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Fever,
• Headache,
• Anaemia,
• Loss of appetite,
• Shoulder or neck pain,
• Joint stiffness,
• Weight loss.

5. Why is the ESR test done?

The ESR test is done to detect inflammation in the body. It helps diagnose various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and arthritis. 

6. What does ESR mean in a blood test?

ESR stands for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube. It's a marker of inflammation.

7. What is a high ESR in a blood test? 

The high ESR in blood tests indicates an elevated rate of red blood cells settling in a tube. A high ESR value is a nonspecific marker, and further evaluation is needed to determine the precise cause of the high ESR level.

8. How is the ESR test done? 

The ESR test is performed by taking the blood sample from the vein in the arm.

9. Can an ESR test detect cancer? 

ESR test is not a specific cancer screening test, but it can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body, which might be associated with cancer or other health risks. Further diagnostic tests are needed to confirm a cancer diagnosis if it is suspected based on ESR results and clinical symptoms.

10. Is the ESR test done on an empty stomach? 

No, fasting is not required for the ESR test. It can be done at any time of the day, and you can eat or drink as usual.

11. What does the ESR test measure?

The ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood, which indirectly indicates the level of inflammation in the body.

12. What causes high ESR?

Various factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, inflammatory conditions, tissue damage, and certain cancers, can cause high ESR.

13. How can I reduce my ESR?

To reduce the ESR level, consult with your doctor and take further testing to confirm the disease. Get proper treatment, adopt a healthy lifestyle with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Reducing stress and avoiding smoking can also contribute to lower ESR levels.