ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTA- TION RATE, WHOLE BLOOD

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Whole Blood

What it is

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube over one hour. It is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the body. When inflammation is present, certain proteins cause red blood cells to clump together and fall more quickly, leading to an elevated ESR value.

Uses

This test is used to detect and monitor conditions that cause inflammation, such as infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and chronic inflammatory disorders. ESR is often ordered alongside other tests like C-reactive protein (CRP) and complete blood count (CBC) to provide a broader picture of a patient’s health status.

Symptoms That May Lead to the Test

Doctors may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained fever, weight loss, joint pain, prolonged fatigue, muscle stiffness, anemia, or signs of chronic infection or autoimmune disease (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, temporal arteritis).

Abnormal Results

Elevated ESR: Suggests the presence of inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, or certain cancers. It is not disease-specific and must be interpreted with other clinical findings.

Low ESR: Can be seen in conditions like polycythemia, extreme leukocytosis, or certain protein abnormalities, but is generally less clinically significant.

Risks

The test requires a simple blood draw from a vein. Risks are minimal and may include slight bruising, discomfort, or dizziness at the puncture site, which are usually temporary and mild.