Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Frequently Ordered Test
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a screening test for various diseases. It is a simple one-hour test that is frequently ordered in clinical medicine. An Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate measures the distance that erythrocytes have fallen after one hour in a vertical column of anticoagulant blood under the influence of gravity.
Women tend to have a higher Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate values, as do the elderly. This test is used to monitor inflammatory or malignant diseases. The amount of fibrinogen present in the blood directly correlates with the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. Any condition that elevates levels of fibrinogen may also elevate the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate has been shown to satisfactory monitor acute-phase response to diseases after the first 24 hours; however, usefulness of this test has decreased as new and more accurate methods of evaluating diseases have been developed.
