What You Need To Know About ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Testing

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By Yhordan Serpentini | March 29, 2023

if you have had headaches, unexplained fevers, weight loss, joint stiffness, neck or shoulder pain, loss of appetite, and/or anemia, chances are your healthcare provider may authorize you to receive an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate test. In today’s blog, we will discuss what an ESR test is, how it works, what it can reveal about your health, and how to prepare for it.

ESR

What Is ESR Testing?

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate testing—also referred to as ESR testing—is a common blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. This simple test has been used for over a century to help diagnose a wide range of conditions, from infections to autoimmune disorders because it is a non-specific indicator of inflammation. It is often used in combination with other diagnostic tests to help confirm a diagnosis or monitor the progression of a disease or serious medical condition.

How Does ESR Work?

As mentioned earlier, ESR works by measuring the time it takes for your red blood cells to settle at the bottom of a test tube, but there is actually a lot more that goes into the process. The sample of blood that is drawn and placed in a test tube measures your Erythrocyte (red blood cells) that is then positioned upright and left to settle for a certain amount of time–usually for over a period of one hour. During this time, the red blood cells in the sample settle to the bottom of the tube, while the plasma (the liquid part of the blood) remains on top.

The rate at which they settle is influenced by a number of factors, including the shape and size of the red blood cells, the viscosity of the blood, and the presence of certain proteins in the blood that can cause the cells to clump together; and depending on how fast or slow your blood cells settle, it can be valuable information for healthcare physicians to know in order to identify potential conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders, or even certain types of cancers. This is because when there is inflammation in the body, the red blood cells tend to settle more quickly in the test tube, resulting in a higher reading.

What ESR Testing Can Reveal About Your Health

The previously mentioned conditions that are measured by ESR levels are just scraping the surface of the many things that the test can reveal about your health. The most common condition that is measured is inflammation in your body; however, it can also be used to diagnose diseases that are caused or worsened by the inflammation–or even conditions that may have played a role in causing inflammation in your body.

Inflammation is your immune system’s response to injury, infection, immune system disorders, certain cancers, and blood disorders. So, an ESR test can reveal if your body is suffering from inflammation due to any of these diseases or conditions. It should be noted that ESR levels can be affected by a range of factors outside of inflammation of the body, including age, gender, and certain medications. Therefore, careful interpretation of ESR test results is necessary by a medical professional. A high ESR level does not always mean there is an underlying health condition, and a low ESR level does not always indicate good health; you may be asked to take a second test to ensure the results are accurate.

Additionally, ESR readings are also used outside of diagnosing conditions due to their relatively low-cost procedure that provides valuable insights into a patient’s health, including monitoring conditions like arthritis and autoimmune disease–which are characterized by chronic inflammation–and tracking changes in ESR levels which doctors can determine whether a patient’s condition is improving or worsening in order to adjust their treatment plan accordingly.

How To Prepare For An ESR Test

If you’re scheduled to undergo an ESR test, it’s important to prepare yourself both physically and mentally. Here are some tips for a successful experience:

  •  Stay hydrated
  • Avoid smoking 24 hours prior to testing
  • Avoid consuming alcohol 24 hours prior to testing
  • You may be asked to fast 6-12 hours prior to testing
If your ESR value falls within the normal range, it’s usually a good sign that there are no underlying health issues. However, if your ESR value is elevated, it could be indicative of an underlying condition like inflammation or infection. Your test results will usually be sent to your healthcare provider for consulting, so it’s important to discuss your ESR test results with them to determine the best course of action if there is an abnormal result.
 

Need a fast and reliable ESR test? Visit our Lab Tests page to book your ESR Sed Rate appointment and get your sample collected for Testing; track your reports online and get notified when your reports are done, typically within 2 hours for On-Site Testing. 

Disclaimer: This blog is not intended to be medical advice

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