ESR Automated Blood Test

This test is done to assess the presence of inflammation. This results from infection, autoimmune diseases and injury. These are common causes of unexplained fever, and joint pains. Serial measurements over days can provide useful information about the level & severity of the condition.

The rate of sedimentation of RBCs is measured by ESR test i.e. it measures how fast the red blood cells settle at the bottom of the tube. In the case of inflammation, red blood cells stick together to form a bunch or a clump. As these clumps of red blood cells are thicker and denser, they fall to the bottom of the tube faster than individual blood cells that fall at a lesser speed. The immune system's inflammatory response is relative to the distance the red blood cells fall in the tube.

The ESR test is a simple blood test. 

• First, the laboratory technician uses a needle to draw blood from the vein in the upper arm
• Next, they collect the blood in a test tube and send the sample for analysis at a laboratory
• The site is then covered with a small bandage to stop the bleeding.

ESR test results are reported as the distance in millimetres (mm) the red blood cells have sunk to the bottom of the tube in one hour. 

Normal ESR range is:

• For men: 0 - 22 mm/hr
• For women: 0 - 29 mm/hr

A high ESR test result may be an indication of a health condition that causes inflammation. For example:

• Infection
• Arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease
• Kidney disease
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Autoimmune diseases
• Heart disease
• Systemic vasculitis (Inflammation of blood vessels)
• Polymyalgia rheumatica (Inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness around shoulders)
• Arteritis (Inflammation of the walls of the artery)

A low ESR test result means the red blood cells sank slower than the normal range. This could be an indication of

• Heart failure
• Kidney and liver problems
• Blood disorders like Sickle Cell Disease, Polycythemia (High concentration of red blood cells) and Leukocytosis (High white blood cell count)

There are no specific preparations required for the test. However, it is recommended that you consult with your healthcare provider before taking the test, as they may have specific instructions or recommendations based on your individual medical history and current health status.

The normal reference range for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is:

Some of the other blood tests that are ordered along with the ESR automated blood test to detect the underlying cause of the inflammation are as follows:

• Complete Blood Count
• Liver Function Test
• Urine Routine & Microscopy
• Lipid Profile
• Kidney Function Test
• Glucose - Fasting
• Glycosylated Hemoglobin
• Vitamin D (25-OH)
• C- Reactive Protein Quantitative
• Thyroid profile Total

• Sed Rate
• ESR
• Westergren sedimentation rate
• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Doctors recommend the ESR test if they observe symptoms of a health problem that causes inflammation. The symptoms of inflammation are:

• Unexplained fever
• Headaches
• Stiffness of joints
• Neck pain
• Shoulder pain
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss
• Anaemia

Some chronic diseases that cause inflammation are:

• Arthritis
• Asthma
• Diabetes
• Autoimmune disorders
• Vasculitis (Inflammation of blood vessels)

Abnormal ESR test results don't always indicate a medical condition. The following can affect ESR test results:

• Pregnancy
• Menstrual cycle
• Obesity
• Ageing
• Regular consumption of alcohol
• Physical exercise
• Medications
• Supplements

Sometimes, the patient may suffer from a condition that causes inflammation and still get normal test results. Therefore, a C-reactive protein (CRP) test is usually recommended along with the ESR test for detailed information about the inflammation.