ESR is the blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a special sedimentation tube. A faster than normal rate means that any component in the blood that increases the mass in the blood (inflamation, immune system components,any protein, lipid or electrolytes, polycytemia), has been abnormally elevated, thus increasing the erythrocytes descend down to the tube earlier than normal period.
Interpretation:ESR is increased in inflammation, pregnancy, anemia, autoimmune disorders(rheumatoid artritis,lupus etc), infections, some kidney diseases and some cancers(lymphoma, multiple myeloma etc). ESR is decreased in polycytemia, hyperviscosity, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, chronic fatique syndrome, low plasma protein (due to liver and kidney diseases) and congestive heart failure.
Sample: Arm vein blood(Into sedimentation tube).Fasting
Working day: Everyday
Result Time: 2 hours
