ESR stands for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate. It is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a test tube. It is also known as the “sed rate” or “sedimentation rate.”
The ESR test is used to detect inflammation in the body, as the rate of red blood cell sedimentation increases when there is inflammation present. The test is not specific to any one condition and can be elevated in various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica, and many other inflammatory conditions.
The test is performed by drawing a sample of blood from a vein in the arm, after which the blood is placed in a thin, tall test tube. The tube is then left to stand for a period of time, usually one hour. The distance that the red blood cells have settled to the bottom of the tube is then measured and recorded.
The ESR test is not a definitive diagnostic tool and the results are often used in combination with other tests such as CRP (C-Reactive Protein) and clinical examination to make a diagnosis.
In summary, ESR stands for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, it is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. It is used to detect inflammation in the body, as the rate of red blood cell sedimentation increases when there is inflammation present. The test is not specific to any one condition and can be elevated in various inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, polymyalgia rheumatica. The test is performed by drawing a sample of blood from a vein in the arm, after which the blood is placed in a thin, tall test tube and left to stand for a period of time. ESR test is not a definitive diagnostic tool and the results are often used in combination with other tests such as CRP and clinical examination to make a diagnosis.