ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

An ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test determines the presence of inflammation due to any injury, infection, or any other disease like an immune system disorder in the body. It measures the rate at which the erythrocytes (red blood cells or RBCs) settle down or sink to the bottom of a test tube.

Inflammation is the body’s normal response to an injury or infection. It usually occurs when the body releases chemicals that trigger an immune response to fight off an infection or heal damaged tissue. Once the injury or infection is healed, the inflammatory process subsides. Chronic inflammation is an abnormal immune response in which the inflammatory process does not resolve as it should under normal conditions, or the inflammation begins even if there is no infection or injury. Over time, chronic inflammation can damage healthy cells, tissues, and organs, and this can lead to autoimmune disorders like arthritis, heart disease, diabetes, asthma, Alzheimer's disease, and even cancer.

An ESR test may be performed if you experience symptoms such as headaches; pain or stiffness in the neck, shoulder, or joints; pelvic (lower part of the stomach) pain; anemia; unexplained weight loss; and joint swelling. Such symptoms may indicate inflammation or health concerns like autoimmune disorders that may need medical intervention. This test is also used to check the progression of an existing inflammatory disease and monitor the response of ongoing treatment for inflammatory conditions like arthritis. Usually, overnight fasting (8-12 hours) is preferred for this test; however, it is not mandatory. Do not eat or drink anything except water before the test. It is also advised that you inform your doctor about the medications you are taking as some of them may affect your test results.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between different labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. Narrate your complete medical history to help the doctor correlate your clinical and laboratory findings. The test results will help them determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.