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ESR

Also known as: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Related tests: C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, immunoglobulins
The Test Sample
 
What is being tested?
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.


This page was last modified on May 14, 2004.
 

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