Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Test

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is also called sedimentation rate test or sed rate test. It is used to determine if the patient is experiencing any inflammation. The test alone does not indicate the cause of the inflammation or the part of the body that is inflamed. It merely points to the existence of inflammation. The patient's blood is placed in a tall, thin tube and time that it takes to reach the bottom of the tube is measured. Inflammation can causes the appearance of abnormal proteins in the blood which cause the red blood cells to clump making them fall quickly.

If you take any regular medications, inform the doctor. You may have to stop them for a few days before the test as certain medications tend to affect the results of the ESR test. Also, inform the lab if you are allergic to latex or pregnant or on your period. Only a few milliliters of blood are required for the test. Also, inform the lab if you have ever felt light headed after blood collection. It is recommended that you wear either a sleeveless or half sleeved shirt or a full sleeved shirt whose sleeves can be easily rolled up.

The result of an ESR test is in terms how many milliliters of clear fluid is present at the top of the tube after one hour. ESR test is usually done to determine whether or not the patient has an inflammation and further tests need to ordered if the result is abnormal. If the ESR was elevated moderately, it could be because of anemia, aging, pregnancy or infection. A very high value can indicate auto immune disease or severe infection. If the ESR value is lower than normal, it may indicate a variety of diseases like congestive heart failure, sickle cell anemia, low plasma protein etc.

The blood collection for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate can be performed at a lab or at a clinic. A vein is selected for drawing blood and a tourniquet is secured above the vein. The skin is cleaned using a pad soaked in alcohol. A needle is inserted in to the vein and blood is collected. The puncture site is covered with cotton for a little while. The tubes are labeled with your name or ID and then send to the laboratory for testing.