ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE
ESR
Description
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test looks at how quickly your red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube, a process that can reveal inflammation in your body. It’s a simple test that helps doctors investigate conditions like arthritis, infections, or autoimmune disorders, including lupus or rheumatoid arthritis. A small blood sample is taken for analysis, and higher ESR levels may suggest inflammation, an infection, or a chronic condition. Low rates are typically not a concern. Doctors often recommend this test if you’re experiencing symptoms like joint pain, fever, or unusual fatigue. The results can help your doctor understand what’s causing your symptoms and guide next steps, such as medications or further testing. Monitoring ESR levels over time can also support the management of chronic inflammation and autoimmune diseases.
Procedure
Invasive
Sample Type
Blood – Whole Blood
Test Category
Blood Cells
Procedure Category
Blood Draw
Units
Millimeters Per Hour
Test Groups
Basic Inflammation Group: This set of tests helps evaluate the body's inflammatory response, providing valuable information for diagnosing and managing inflammatory conditions. Complete Inflammation Group: Extensive tests offer a comprehensive assessment of inflammatory markers, yielding detailed insights into inflammation levels and related health conditions. Immune System Group: By evaluating various aspects of immune system function and health, this group offers insights into immune responses and related health considerations.
Optimal Range
Men:
Conventional Unit: <5 mm/hr
SI Unit: <5 mm/hr
Women:
Conventional Unit: <10 mm/hr
SI Unit: <10 mm/hr
Normal Range
Men:
Conventional Unit: Under 50 years: 0–15 mm/hr | Over 50 years: 0–20 mm/hr
SI Unit: Under 50 years: 0–15 mm/hr | Over 50 years: 0–20 mm/hr
Women:
Conventional Unit: Under 50 years: 0–20 mm/hr | Over 50 years: 0–30 mm/hr
SI Unit: Under 50 years: 0–20 mm/hr | Over 50 years: 0–30 mm/hr
Results That Differ From The Norm
Increased levels may indicate:
Anemia (Decreased number of red blood cells or hemoglobin)
Allergic vasculitis (Inflammation of blood vessels due to an allergic reaction)
Collagen vascular disease (Autoimmune diseases affecting connective tissue)
Diabetes (Metabolic disorder characterized by high blood sugar levels)
Heart disease
- ...
Key Reasons For Testing
Inflammation Marker: ESR measures the rate of red blood cell settling in blood, indicating inflammation.
Non-specific Indicator: Reflects inflammation levels, aiding in identifying conditions like infections, autoimmune diseases, or cancer.
Screening for Disorders: Assesses severity in diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or temporal arteritis.
Monitoring Activity: Tracks disease progression and treatment response in chronic inflammation.
Diagnostic Support: Used alongside clinical findings for accurate diagnoses.
Health Status Conditions It May Be Used To Assess
Currently, this test is not directly associated with any conditions listed on the Health Status page. However, it may be included as part of a broader set of tests linked to specific health conditions.
Some Prominent Medical Labs That May Offer This Test
Please note that this particular test has not been associated with any of the listed prominent medical labs. We recommend enquiring with your private physician or nearest hospital to determine where this specific test can be performed.
References
Important Note
Any medical procedure yielding results outside the norm may be directly or indirectly linked to the conditions outlined on this page. Various factors, including genetics, medication and supplement usage, recent illnesses, pregnancy, pre-test eating, smoking, and stress, can impact the test's outcome. Additionally, factors like false positives, false negatives, inaccurate analyses, and others can influence results.
Reference ranges, which help healthcare professionals interpret medical tests, may vary depending on age, gender, and other factors. They may also differ between laboratories due to variations in instruments and methods used. Optimal ranges are designed for preventive purposes, aiming to identify trends and potential risks early, while normal ranges reflect conventional laboratory values indicating no current disease or pathology. Your healthcare practitioner may have specific reasons for testing that deviate from the usual or may interpret results differently based on individual circumstances. Proper interpretation typically involves considering clinical findings and other diagnostic tests. Hence, it is crucial to provide your healthcare professionals with a comprehensive medical history, consult with them for result interpretation, and follow their guidance for potential re-testing or additional diagnostics.
Disclaimer
This content is provided solely for informative and educational purposes. It is not intended as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. Regarding the interpretation of their medical test results and/or specific health questions, it is recommended that all readers and viewers consult their physicians or other qualified health professionals. The publisher is not responsible for any adverse health effects that may result from reading or following the information in this educational content. Before beginning any nutrition, supplement, or lifestyle program, all viewers, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physician or health care practitioner.
Please note that while prominent lab names are included in this content, we cannot guarantee that these labs offer all the tests mentioned. For confirmation, individuals should contact the labs directly or consult their medical practitioners. The information provided reflects general knowledge at the time of publication and may not include recent updates or emerging research. Readers should verify details with qualified professionals to ensure the most up-to-date and accurate guidance.
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