Lab test · Hematology
CBC with ESR
Blood count, infection & inflammation
- Blood sample
- No fasting
- Report within 24 hours
- Home collection
What this test is for
Blood count, infection & inflammation
This test combines a complete blood count (CBC) with the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The CBC counts red cells, white cells and platelets and measures haemoglobin, while the ESR measures how quickly red cells settle in a tube, a general sign of inflammation in the body. Together they give your doctor a broad first look at anaemia, infection and inflammation from one blood sample.
Why a doctor may order it
- During a fever, to look for signs of infection
- If you feel tired, weak or look pale, to check for anaemia
- If you have joint pain or stiffness, where inflammation may be the cause
- To follow an inflammatory condition or a long-lasting infection such as tuberculosis
- As part of a general health check-up
How to prepare
Fasting: Not needed.
Eat and drink normally; this test needs no fasting. Keep taking your regular medicines unless your doctor has said otherwise. Tell the collector if you take a medicine that thins the blood, so they can press on the site a little longer afterwards.
At home
- Sample
- Blood sample
- How it works
- The sample collector takes a small blood sample from a vein in your arm at your home. Both the blood count and the ESR are done from this one sample, so a single short visit covers the whole test.
- Report
- Within 24 hours of collection.
What the results can mean
The CBC part shows each count next to the laboratory's reference range, and the ESR is reported as a single value. Low haemoglobin can point to anaemia and a raised white cell count to infection, while a raised ESR shows inflammation somewhere in the body without saying where. ESR also rises with age, pregnancy and anaemia. Your doctor will interpret the results together with your symptoms.
What's included
This test reports 2 measurements:
- Complete blood count (CBC)
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
Related tests
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)A complete blood count looks at the three main types of cells in your blood: red blood cells, which carry oxygen; white blood cells, which fight infection; and platelets, which help blood to clot.
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)The ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tall, thin tube over a set time.
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP), QuantitativeC-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein made by the liver in response to inflammation.
- Serum FerritinFerritin is a protein that stores iron inside the body's cells, and the small amount in the blood reflects how much iron you have stored.
- Peripheral Blood Film (PBF)Blood cell shape & anaemia type৳190
- Reticulocyte CountBone marrow red cell production৳150
Questions people ask
What is ESR in a blood test?
ESR stands for erythrocyte sedimentation rate. It measures how fast red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube. Inflammation makes them clump and settle faster, so a high ESR suggests inflammation.
Why do doctors order CBC and ESR together?
The CBC shows problems with blood cells, such as anaemia or infection, while the ESR shows whether inflammation is present. Taken together they help decide what to investigate next.
Is a high ESR serious?
Not always. ESR can rise with minor infections, pregnancy, anaemia and age. A very high or persistently raised ESR needs further tests, and your doctor will decide which.
How much does a CBC with ESR test cost in Dhaka?
With Mukti Health the price is ৳250, and the sample is collected at your home in Dhaka. You see the price again before you confirm the booking in the Mukti Health app.
Can I do the CBC with ESR test at home in Dhaka?
Yes. Book it in the Mukti Health app and a trained sample collector comes to your home in Dhaka to take the blood sample. You do not need to go to a laboratory.
How long does the CBC with ESR report take?
The report is usually ready within 24 hours of the sample being collected.