A CBC ESR blood test combines two important blood tests: a Complete Blood Count (CBC) and an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). It provides valuable information about your overall blood health and the presence of inflammation in your body.
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
The CBC measures various aspects of your blood cells, including:
- Red Blood Cells (RBCs): The number, size, and maturity of RBCs are assessed, helping diagnose anemia or other red blood cell disorders. Source: Stanford Health Care
- White Blood Cells (WBCs): The count and types of WBCs reveal information about your immune system's response to infection or other conditions. [Source: Provided Text]
- Platelets: The number of platelets, essential for blood clotting, is determined. Abnormal platelet counts can indicate bleeding disorders or other problems. [Source: Provided Text]
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
The ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A faster sedimentation rate often indicates inflammation in the body. This is a non-specific test, meaning it can't pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, but it's a useful tool for detecting its presence. [Sources: MedlinePlus, Testing.com, Mayo Clinic](https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate-esr/, https://www.testing.com/tests/erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate-esr/, https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/sed-rate/about/pac-20384797)
Together, the CBC and ESR tests are often ordered together to assess both your blood cell counts and the presence of inflammation. This combination is helpful in diagnosing a wide range of conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases (like lupus), and certain types of cancer. [Sources: HSS Rheumatology, ARAPC, Dressa Lab](https://www.hss.edu/conditions_understanding-laboratory-tests-and-results-for-systemic-lupus-erythematosus.asp, https://arapc.com/diseases-conditions/common-lab-tests/, https://dressalab.com/products/erythrocyte-sedimentation-rate-esr-cbc)
Example: A patient with suspected infection might have a CBC ESR test. An elevated WBC count in the CBC and a high ESR would support the presence of infection, although further testing would be needed to identify the specific pathogen.
