AsseyMethod: west green
Abbrevation: ESR
Sector: Hematology
SampleType: -
S.Vol: -
Transport: 0.5 hrs. at 2-8˚c˚
Storage: 1 hr. at 2-8˚c
Test Name: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Normal Range: Female:age+10/2 Male:age/2
To detect and monitor the activity of inflammation as an aid in the diagnosis of the underlying cause
When your doctor thinks that you might have a condition that causes inflammation and to help diagnose and follow the course of this, especially temporal arteritis or polymyalgia rheumatica
A blood sample taken from a vein in the arm
None
ESR is an indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. It actually measures the rate of fall (sedimentation) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a tall, thin tube of blood. Results are reported as how many millimetres of clear plasma are present at the top of the column after one hour. Normally, red cells fall slowly, leaving little clear plasma. Increased blood levels of certain proteins (such as fibrinogen or immunoglobulins, which are increased in inflammation) cause the red blood cells to fall more rapidly, increasing the ESR.
How is the sample collected for testing?
A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in your arm.
Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample?
No test preparation is needed.