🧪 What is ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)?

ESR measures how quickly red blood cells (RBCs) settle at the bottom of a test tube over one hour. When inflammation is present, certain proteins (like fibrinogen) cause RBCs to clump together and fall faster, increasing the ESR.

• It’s a non-specific marker of inflammation, not diagnostic of any one condition.
• Often used to monitor or screen for inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune conditions.

❓ Why is the ESR Test Done?

To:

• Detect inflammation in the body
• Monitor chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
• Help diagnose autoimmune conditions
• Evaluate infection or malignancy
• Monitor disease activity and treatment response

📊 Normal ESR Ranges

🔍 Values may vary slightly by lab. ESR tends to be naturally higher in women, elderly, and during pregnancy.

📈 Interpretation of Results

🔬 How is ESR Measured?

1. Blood is placed in a vertical tube (Westergren or Wintrobe method).
2. After 1 hour, the distance (in mm) the red blood cells have fallen is measured.
3. Higher values indicate faster settling → suggesting more inflammation.

🧠 Associated Organs and Conditions

🔄 Related / Follow-Up Tests

1. CRP (C-Reactive Protein) – More specific and responsive inflammatory marker
2. CBC – To check WBCs, hemoglobin, anemia
3. Rheumatoid Factor (RF) – In suspected autoimmune arthritis
4. ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) – For SLE or connective tissue disease
5. Procalcitonin – In sepsis or bacterial infection suspicion
6. Serum Protein Electrophoresis – For multiple myeloma
7. Imaging (X-ray/MRI/CT) – If local inflammation is suspected

⚠️ Limitations of ESR

• Non-specific: Raised ESR doesn’t tell you the exact cause.
• Slow to change: May lag behind clinical improvement or worsening.
• Affected by:
  • Age
  • Sex
  • Pregnancy
  • Anemia
  • Plasma proteins

📝 Summary