ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a nonspecific laboratory marker reflecting the presence and intensity of inflammatory processes in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a vertical blood sample tube within 1 hour.
Normal ESR values:
- Men: 1–10 mm/h
- Women: 2–15 mm/h
- Children: 4–10 mm/h
- During pregnancy: up to 45 mm/h (considered normal)
Physiological significance:
- Elevated ESR indicates inflammation, infection, autoimmune diseases, tumors, and other pathological conditions.
- ESR helps assess disease progression and treatment effectiveness.
Causes of increased ESR:
- Acute and chronic inflammations (e.g., acute respiratory viral infections, pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis)
- Infections (viral, bacterial, fungal)
- Autoimmune diseases (rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
- Oncological diseases
- Liver and kidney diseases
- Anemias (especially iron deficiency anemia)
Causes of decreased ESR:
- Polycythemia (increased red blood cell count)
- Heart failure
- Sickle cell anemia
- Hyperbilirubinemia
- Certain medications (corticosteroids, NSAIDs)
How the test is performed:
- The test is done fasting, usually in the morning.
- Blood is taken from a vein or finger.
- Methods: Panchenkov (capillary blood) and Westergren (venous blood — more accurate method).
Important:
- ESR is a nonspecific marker. It can be elevated even with mild ailments or physiological states (pregnancy, aging).
- Final conclusions should be made only considering other laboratory and clinical data.