What is the diff test when it comes to getting a bloodtest ie fbc esr?

Differential test

A differential test is a blood test that measures the percentage of different types of white blood cells in your blood. White blood cells help your body fight infection. The five types of white blood cells are:

* Neutrophils are the most common type of white blood cell. They help your body fight bacterial infections.

* Lymphocytes are the second most common type of white blood cell. They help your body fight viral infections.

* Eosinophils help your body fight parasitic infections.

* Basophils are involved in allergic reactions.

* Monocytes are the largest type of white blood cell. They help your body remove damaged tissue and foreign material.

A differential test can be used to:

* Diagnose infections

* Monitor the course of an infection

* Identify disorders of the white blood cells

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)

The ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. The ESR is affected by the number of red blood cells in your blood, the size of the red blood cells, and the amount of inflammation in your body.

An elevated ESR can be a sign of:

* Anemia

* Chronic inflammation

* Infection

* Cancer

The ESR test is often used together with other blood tests to help diagnose medical conditions.