Objective:

Determine the significance and clinical use of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in clinical practice

 

Lab Test Name:

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate- ESR

 

Description:

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures sedimentation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs). 

In normal conditions, RBCs settle or sediment very little. 

Inflammation affects proteins in the blood causing RBCs to stick and settle together out of the liquid portion of the blood.

 

Indications:

Identifies inflammation which assists in diagnosing:

• Cancer
• Infection
• Autoimmune diseases

 

Normal Therapeutic Values:

Normal – 0-20 mm/hr

 

What would cause increased levels?

Increased

Conditions:

• Anemia
• Chronic Renal Failure
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)
• Infection
• Tuberculosis
• Pregnancy
• Polymyalgia Rheumatica
• Multiple myeloma

Medications:

• Oral contraceptives
• Theophylline
• Vitamin A

 

What would cause decreased levels?

Decreased

Conditions:

• Sickle cell anemia
• Polycythemia Vera
• Leukocytosis
• Congestive Heart Failure (CHF)

Medications:

• Aspirin
• Cortisone
• Quinine