OSMT (Ontario Society of Medical Technologists) Practice Exam

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What does the ESR measure?

The ratio of erythrocytes to leukocytes

The ratio of packed cells to plasma

The rate at which blood cells settle

The correct answer highlights that the ESR, or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, specifically measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube of blood over a designated period, typically one hour. This value is primarily used in clinical settings to assess inflammation in the body. When inflammation occurs, certain proteins can increase the tendency of red blood cells to clump together, causing them to settle more quickly. Therefore, a higher ESR can indicate the presence of inflammatory conditions, infections, or other medical issues.

The focus on the settling of blood cells is key to understanding what the ESR indicates about a patient’s health status. This metric does not directly evaluate the proportions of cells within the blood or the contents of plasma, making it distinct from measurements that assess cellular ratios or packed cell volume.

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The same as a PCV

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