COMPLETE BLOOD COUNT with ESR

The Complete Blood Count with Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is one of the basic tests done and a pathologist interprets this test. Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate provides valuable information with respect to the state of blood and cells of the body on the amount of three types of cells—red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. It has its role in diagnosing numerous problems which can be related to – anemia, infections, and other blood related conditions.

The CBC with ESR results together report some important aspects of your blood. It looks at oxygen-carrying red blood cells, infection-fighting white blood cells, and clotting platelets from blood. The test also measures how fast red blood cells sediment in a test tube because it has some relevance with the body’s inflammation level.

Test has to invariably be recommended in situations when there are symptoms of anemia or inflammatory conditions in the form of fatigue, weakness, infections, fever, bruising, bleeding and nonspecific inflammation. It is also a commonly required test in patients for general checkups to find out complications such as infection, anemia or other blood disorders.

The only possible risks associated with Performing CBC with ESR are very mild bruising or bleeding as a result of inserting the needle. This test's limitations include the ability to differentiate as many as specific diseases causes. High ESR is due to a number of conditions such as pregnancy or anemia, hence must be interpreted considering other relevant diagnostic tests and investigations.

Among the major parameters that were evaluated are:

• Red Blood Cell Count: RBC Count Indicate the disease oxygen carrying capacity.
• White Blood Cell Count: WBC Count indicates immune system deficiency.
• Hemoglobin, Hgb: The concentration of this substance indicates the volumetric content of the oxygen carrying protein.
• Hematocrit, Hct: Hct indicates the percentage volume of whole blood made up of red blood cells.
• Platelets: the number of platelets suggesting the starchy clotting factor.
• Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: This test is helpful to assess one’s degree of inflammatory response.

This particular blood test is particularly useful for individuals who have symptoms like persistent tiredness, fever, sneezing or an unvarying swelling without a clear explanation. Moreover, it is also helpful in individuals who are receiving treatment for blood-related disord rs such as leukemia or chronic inflammatory diseases since these would alter the number of blood cells in the body.

Complete Blood Count with ESR is useful in diagnosing several diseases at an earlier stage which helps in devising a better treatment regimen. It is useful in evaluating the health status of individuals suffering from chronic diseases, and it gives a rough idea of blood related issues like anemia, inflammatory diseases etc.

Following diseases can be diagnosed with the help of this test:

• Anemia
• Leukaemia
• Infection
• Inflammation
• Blood dyscrasia

Prerequisites: No special preparation is required. Eating can drink is permitted as long as alcohol and intensive physical exercise is avoided.

Eligibility: Generally yes for everyone who do not have any contraindications to drawing blood.

Procedure for Taking the Test: Generally performed by venepuncture by the arm using a needle into a vein. It will last for a few mins.

Important Instructions: Before the test, the technician must be advised about anticoagulant or any bleeding disorders medications.