ESR; ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE

The ESR test measures the level of inflammation in the body. After this, other diagnostic tests are done to find the cause of such inflammation.  

Some of the causes of inflammation could be arthritis, vasculitis, or inflammatory bowel disease. The ESR test could also be used to monitor an already existing medical condition.  

The ESR test is recommended for people who experience an inflammatory condition related to diseases such as arthritis, or inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD). These people experience symptoms such as:  

• Joint pain or stiffness especially in the morning. This could last a good 30 minutes.  
• Weight loss which was not intended 
• Headaches 
• Pain in the pelvis, shoulders, or neck 
• Fever 
• Digestive irregularities such as diarrhoea, or blood in the stool. 

The ESR test does not require any special test preparation. Blood is drawn from the veins like any other blood test. This sample is taken to a laboratory where it is kept in a test tube for an hour. The lab professionals then note how fast red blood cells (RBCs), also known as erythrocytes, sink at the bottom of the test tube that contains the blood sample.  

This information is then used to evaluate the ESR test result.  

Females generally have a higher level of ESR than men. The normal levels of ESR are different for different age groups. Your doctor will decide what is normal for your body depending on a host of factors. 

The ESR test is a safe, standard test and there are minimal risks involved such as 

• Bleeding 
• Light headedness 
• Infection 
• Bruising 

The ESR test results are usually measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).  

Elevated ESR test results can be caused due to conditions such as  

• Infections 
• Autoimmune conditions like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis 
• Anemia 
• Kidney or thyroid disease 
• Certain types of cancer 
• Tissue injury or trauma 

Lower than expected levels of ESR may be caused by conditions such as:  

• RBC disorders 
• Heart failure 
• Certain liver and kidney problems 

It is important to know that the ESR test is always used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to detect and monitor health conditions.