Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: Everything You Need to Know

What is an erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test? When does the doctor request it? What do abnormal levels indicate? Keep reading to find out the answers.

What is an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate?

An erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test that detects whether a person has inflammation in their body or not. Inflammation is the immune system's response to infection, injury, or some other conditions such as blood disorders, immune system disorders, or certain types of cancers.

The principle of this test is reflected in its name, as it measures the rate at which red blood cells (called erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a tube after placing a blood sample in a tall, thin tube and processing it. Normally, red blood cells settle slowly at the bottom of the tube. However, in the case of a medical condition causing inflammation, red blood cells adhere and clump together, making them heavier and thus settling to the bottom of the tube more rapidly.

This means that the speed of the test result is a sign of the level of inflammation you are experiencing. The faster ESR Rate means a higher level of inflammation. However, this test alone cannot diagnose the condition, and it is often performed along with other tests and analyses to help the doctor diagnose the disease or monitor its progress.

Why do I need this test?

The doctor may request this test along with a set of other tests if you are experiencing certain symptoms such as headaches, loss of appetite, unintentional weight loss, joint swelling, or pain, or if you feel pain in the pelvis, shoulders, or neck, to detect the following issues:

1. Arteritis.
2. Rheumatoid arthritis.
3. Systemic lupus erythematosus.
4. Infections, including bone infections.
5. Cancers.
6. Systemic vasculitis.

How to Prepare for the Test?

This test is very simple and does not require any prior preparations such as fasting or stopping medications or other actions. However, if your doctor requests other tests at the same time, you may need some preparations.

How is this test done?

An erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test is very simple. All that is done is to take a sample from a vein in the arm using a small needle and collect the blood sample in a test tube for analysis.

Are there any risks to the test?

There are no risks or complications associated with this test, and all you may experience is mild discomfort and bruising at the site where the needle was inserted, but these symptoms quickly disappear.

What are the normal results?

The normal values ​​vary based on several factors, including age, gender, and others, but they include:

• Men under 50 years old: less than 15 millimeters/hour.
• Men over 50 years old: less than 20 millimeters/hour.
• Women under 50 years old: less than 20 millimeters/hour.
• Women over 50 years old: less than 30 millimeters/hour.
• Newborns: 0 - 2 millimeters/hour.
• Children until puberty: 3 - 13 millimeters/hour.

What do abnormal results mean?

Depending on the test result, your symptoms, medical history, and the results of other tests, the doctor will be able to make a diagnosis. Abnormal levels usually indicate:

• High erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Some factors can affect and cause an increase in the rate, such as anemia, pregnancy, thyroid diseases, and kidney diseases, but an elevated rate may indicate autoimmune disorders or an infection such as:

1. Arteritis, arthritis, or Systemic vasculitis.
2. Inflammatory bowel disease.
3. Kidney diseases.
4. Rheumatoid arthritis.
5. Some types of cancer.
6. Heart diseases.
7. Autoimmune diseases.

• Low erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Low levels are associated with the following conditions:

1. Congestive heart failure.
2. Sickle cell anemia.
3. Leukemia.
4. Polycythemia.
5. Certain kidney and liver diseases.