2006-09-14 18:29:14 · 4 answers · asked by maddy t 1 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
It is a blood test. One or more tubes of blood is drawn .They measure how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube in one hour. There are quite a few reasons to do this type of testing. For example,,Determine whether a condition causing inflammation is present. Or to monitor the response to treatment of some conditions, such as an infection or some autoimmune diseases. If you have question about this type of testing you should talk to your Doctor... Best Wishes...
2006-09-14 18:40:40 · answer #1 · answered by tinytinker79 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test:
It is a nonspecific screening test for various diseases. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) can be used to monitor inflammatory or malignant disease. Although it is a screening test (cannot be used to diagnose a specific disorder), it is useful in detecting and monitoring tuberculosis, tissue necrosis (death), rheumatologic disorders, or an otherwise unsuspected disease in which symptoms are vague or physical findings are minimal.
How it is done?
Blood is drawn from a vein, usually from the inside of the elbow or the back of the hand. The puncture site is cleaned with antiseptic, and a band or blood pressure cuff is placed around the upper arm to apply pressure and cause the veins below the band to fill with blood.
A needle is inserted into the vein, and the blood is collected in an air-tight vial or a syringe. During the procedure, the band is removed to restore circulation. Once the blood has been collected, the needle is removed, and the puncture site is covered to stop any bleeding.
In infants or young children:
The area is cleaned with antiseptic and punctured with a sharp needle or a lancet. The blood may be collected in a pipette (small glass tube), on a slide, onto a test strip, or into a small container. A bandage may be applied to the puncture site if there is any continued bleeding.
2006-09-14 18:43:58 · answer #2 · answered by Rohini karthikeyan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Blood is drawn and loaded in long thin glass tubes called ESR tubes and allowed to stand for one hour. Red blood cells called erythrocytes whch are electrically charged clump together and settle at the bottom of ESR tubes. The length of the column is measured at the end of one hour. Upto 8 to 10 mm is normal. More than that suggests an active disease. Good for diagnosis and better for follow up, in diseases having remissions and relappses say rheumatod arthritis , psoriasis etc a raised ESR means a relapse.
2006-09-14 18:42:26 · answer #3 · answered by J.SWAMY I ఇ జ స్వామి 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Its an erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Its a blood test.
2006-09-14 18:30:28 · answer #4 · answered by happydawg 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋