Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR)

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Also known as: ESR, SED RATE, Sed Rate by Modified Westergren ESR

Sed Rate By Modified

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. It actually measures the rate of fall (sedimentation) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a sample of blood.
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The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR) test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker.

Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR)

Purpose of the Test: The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test, commonly known as the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test, is used to detect and monitor inflammation in the body. It helps in diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory diseases, including autoimmune disorders, infections, and cancers.

Test Description: The ESR test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over a period of one hour. The test is based on the premise that inflammation increases certain proteins in the blood, causing red blood cells to clump together and settle more quickly than normal.

Procedure:

  • Sample Collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm.
  • Testing: The blood is placed in a tall, thin tube and left undisturbed for one hour. The rate at which red blood cells fall is measured in millimeters.
  • Results Interpretation: The distance the red blood cells fall in one hour is measured in millimeters; a higher value indicates more inflammation.

Preparation for the Test: No special preparation is required for the ESR test. However, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications or supplements they are taking, as some can affect the results.

Uses:

  • Diagnosis: Helps in diagnosing conditions associated with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and tuberculosis.
  • Monitoring: Used to monitor the activity of inflammatory diseases and the effectiveness of treatment.

Limitations:

  • The ESR test is not disease-specific and can be elevated due to reasons other than inflammation, including anemia, pregnancy, and age.
  • The results need to be interpreted along with other clinical assessments and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of the elevated rate.

This test is a valuable tool in the clinical setting for assessing the presence and intensity of inflammatory processes in the body.

What is sedimentation rate in a blood test?

A sedimentation rate in a blood test, often referred to as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or simply "sed rate," measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specified period, usually one hour. The test results are expressed in millimeters of the clear fluid (plasma) that is visible at the top of the tube after the red blood cells have settled.

The principle behind the test is that inflammation can cause an increase in certain proteins in the blood, which makes red blood cells clump together and settle more quickly. Therefore, a higher ESR indicates more inflammation in the body.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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