Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) refers to a medical test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a tube after being placed in an upright position. It is also known as the "sed rate" or the "ESR test."
The ESR test is a non-specific indicator of inflammation and is often used as a screening tool to assess inflammatory conditions in the body. During inflammation, certain proteins in the blood called acute phase reactants increase, which causes red blood cells to clump together and settle faster. The ESR measures the distance by which the red blood cells fall in a specific time period (usually an hour) and is reported in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).
The ESR test is simple, inexpensive, and widely available, making it a commonly used diagnostic tool. It can help diagnose and monitor various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, certain cancers, and other inflammatory conditions.
However, it is important to note that the ESR test alone cannot provide a definitive diagnosis. It is typically used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory assessments to guide further investigation or confirm a suspected diagnosis.
While an elevated ESR value typically indicates inflammation, it is important to consider that multiple factors can influence the test results. These include age, sex, anemia, pregnancy, certain medications, and other underlying medical conditions. Therefore, the interpretation of ESR results should be done cautiously, taking into account the patient's clinical history and other relevant investigations.
