Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
645 Kshs | Home Collection Available
Synonyms
ESR, Westergren Sedimentation Rate
Purpose
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test is a simple blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specific period.
This test is important because it helps detect inflammation in the body. While ESR doesn’t point to a specific disease, it can support the diagnosis and monitoring of inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, infections, or autoimmune disorders.
It is often performed alongside other tests such as C-Reactive Protein (CRP), Complete Blood Count (CBC), ANA (Antinuclear Antibody), and Rheumatoid Factor (RF).
Patient Preparation
There is no special preparation required for this test.
Sample Type
4 mL of Whole blood collected in an EDTA (lavender top) tube.
Sample Collection Instructions
The sample should be mixed gently by inverting eight times immediately after collection, for proper mixing of blood with the EDTA.
Sample Storage
Samples should be refrigerated if sampling is not done within 24 hours.
Reference Range
Males: 0-15 mm/hr.; Over 50 yrs.: 0-30 mm/hr.
Females: 0-30 mm/hr.; Over 50 yrs.: 0-40 mm/hr.
Results Turnaround
Within a day of sample collection.
Diseases / Diagnostic indicators
An elevated ESR indicates the presence of inflammation but does not specify its cause. It is commonly associated with:
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Chronic infections (e.g., tuberculosis)
- Temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica
- Certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma, lymphoma)
- Kidney disease
A high ESR suggests active inflammation, tissue injury, or infection, and is useful in tracking the progression or response to treatment in chronic conditions.
A normal or low ESR may indicate the absence of significant inflammation, or it may occur in early stages of disease before inflammation becomes apparent.
For more on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Testing, read this study.