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ESR

Also known as: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Related tests: C-reactive protein (CRP); fibrinogen; immunoglobulins

Common Questions

1.  What other tests might my doctor be requesting besides ESR?

Your doctor may request a CRP test as well as other biochemisty, and an FBC, at the same time they order an ESR. They may also request additional tests based on your symptoms, such as the ANA (antinuclear antibody) and RF (rheumatoid factor) tests suggestive of autoimmune diseases, or cultures to investigate infection. Serum electrophoresis can look for evidence of diseases such as multiple myeloma and lymphoma.

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2.  What do changes in my ESR mean?

The ESR is an indicator in your body. Like pain, it is giving you a warning that something is wrong. In most cases, the ESR will decrease over time once the underlying inflammation is addressed. If you have a chronic (longstanding) inflammatory disease, the ESR may fluctuate with the degree of activity your condition.

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