ESR

About Test

The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specific period, usually one hour. This rate reflects inflammation in the body.

During the test, blood is drawn and placed in a vertical tube, and the distance the red blood cells fall in an hour is measured. A higher rate of sedimentation indicates the presence of inflammation or infection.

The ESR test is commonly used to:

  1. Diagnose Inflammatory Conditions: Elevated ESR levels can signal inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or vasculitis.

  2. Monitor Disease Activity: For patients with known inflammatory or autoimmune diseases, the ESR test can help monitor disease activity and response to treatment.

  3. Assess General Health: Although not specific, an elevated ESR can suggest the presence of an underlying condition that may require further investigation.

It is important to note that while the ESR test can indicate the presence of inflammation, it does not pinpoint the exact cause. Therefore, it is often used in conjunction with other tests and clinical evaluations to provide a comprehensive assessment of health.

Sample Requirements

Purple EDTA Tube

Stability

Serum: 7 days 2-8°C

Turnaround Time

4 hours

Purple EDTA Tube

Assay Interferences

Interferences (Up to 5%)

Calcium: Above 15 mg/dL

Potassium: Above 7 mmol/L

Sodium: Above 180 mmol/L

Iron: Above 800 ug/dL

Zinc: Above 500 ug/dL

Magnesium: Above 4 mg/dL

Copper: Above 600 ug/dL

Bilirubin (conj): Above 15 mg/dL

Lipemia: Above 600 mg/dL

Haemolysis: Above 2 g/L

Reference Range:

0.40 - 1.00 Therapeutic / 1.00 - 2.00 Moderately Toxic / >2.00 Severely Toxic

Known factors:

Increased Lithium

  • Problem: Incorrect container or anticoagulant
    Caused by: Lithium Heparin Tube

Critical Value:

Not applicable