What is the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)? Why is the test done? Everything around this, that you should know, in this post, and of course our doctors are always there to help you. Just fill in your details in the form below and we will answer all your questions for FREE!
What is the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is the rate by which the erythrocytes (RBCs) settle down in a test tube during the blood test.
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Why is the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test done?
This test is done to check the inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the immune system’s reaction to any injury, infection, or any other health issue like autoimmune disorders, Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), arthritis, lupus, and blood disorders.
What is the normal Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) range?
The units of ESR measurement are mm/hr (millimeters per hour)
In males <50 years of age: 0 – 15 mm/hr
In males >50 years of age: 0 – 20 mm/hr
In females <50 years of age: 0 – 20 mm/hr
In females >50 years of age: 0 – 30 mm/hr
What can cause a high Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?
High ESR means the RBCs are settling down faster than normal. Inflammation leads to high protein in the blood and thus they increase the clumping of RBCs together and they settle down quickly.
The ESR is not a diagnostic test, but it is helpful in monitoring some health conditions. ESR above 100 mm/hr is mostly considered high and may indicate diseases like:
- An active infection
- Arthritis
- Kidney disease
- Heart disease
- Blood disorders
- Collagen vascular disease
- Autoimmune disorders
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
- A disease that causes inflammation in the body
What are the symptoms of a high Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?
As the ESR is the determinant of many health diseases, the symptoms of high ESR levels can be:
- Headache
- Joint pains
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Anemia
- Weight loss
- Lethargy
Is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) a diagnostic test?
The ESR is not a diagnostic test, but it is helpful in monitoring and screening some health issues along with other tests.
There are many conditions that may raise the ESR without any signs or symptoms of inflammation. This cannot be used as a screening test in that case.
