Erythrocyte sedimentation rate ESR 

(mm/h)

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the rate at which red blood cells in anticoagulated whole blood descend in a standardized tube over a period of one hour. It is a common haematology test, which is considered a non-specific measure of inflammation.

The ESR is governed by the balance between pro-sedimentation factors, mainly fibrinogen, and those factors resisting sedimentation, namely the negative charge of the erythrocytes (zeta potential). When an inflammatory process is present, the high proportion of fibrinogen in the blood causes red blood cells to stick to each other.

Abnormalities. Disorders or diseases caused or related.

The ESR is increased in:

·        Inflammation;

·        pregnancy;

·        Anemia;

·        Autoimmune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus);

·        Vascular disease;

·        Inflammatory bowel disease;

·        Heart disease;

·        Kidney disease;

·        Certain cancers (such as lymphoma and multiple myeloma).

Sometimes the ESR can be slower than normal. A slow ESR may indicate a blood disorder, such as:

·        Polycythemia;

·        Hyperviscosity;

·        Sickle cell anemia;

·        Leukemia;

·        Chronic fatigue syndrome;

·        Low plasma protein (due to liver or kidney disease);

·        Congestive heart failure.

A moderate ESR may indicate pregnancy, menstruation, or anemia, rather than an inflammatory disease. Certain medicines and supplements can also affect your results. These include oral contraceptives, aspirin, cortisone, and vitamin A.

Although increases in immunoglobulins usually increase the ESR, very high levels can reduce it again due to hyperviscosity of the plasma. This is especially likely with IgM-class paraproteins, and to a lesser extent, IgA-class. The basal ESR is slightly higher in females.

1.       "Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)". Lab Tests Online. Retrieved 2019-12-23.

2.       "Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)". labtestsonline.org. Retrieved 2019-12-12.

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4.       Eastham, R. D (1954). "The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate and the Plasma Viscosity". Journal of Clinical Pathology. 7 (2): 164–167. doi:10.1136/jcp.7.2.164. PMC 1023757. PMID 13163203.

5.       MedlinePlus Encyclopedia: ESR (https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/003638.htm)