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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR TEST)
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR TEST)
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific measurement used to detect and monitor an inflammatory response to tissue injury (an acute phase) in which there is a change in the plasma concentration of several proteins (termed acute phase proteins).
This procedure, very simply, consist of allowing a specific amount of blood to sit in a vertical position for a period of time (usually one hour). The distance, in millimeters, that the red cells fall during this time period is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and is reported in mm/hr.
Significance of the ESR:
The ESR represents a nonspecific response to tissue damage and inflammation and denotes the presence of disease, but not its severity.
It primarily reflects changes in the plasma proteins that accompany most the acute and chronic infections, tumors, and degenerative diseases. It may be used to follow the progress of certain diseases such as tuberculosis and rheumatoid arthritis.
An elevated ESR may be found in:
-Pregnancy (after the third month).
-Acute and chronic infections.
-Rheumatic fever.
-Rheumatoid arthritis.
-Myocardial infection.
-Nephrosis.
-Acute hepatitis.
-Menstruation.
-Tuberculosis.
-Hypothyroidism.
-Hyperthyroidism.
Adults over 60 years of age frequently have a slightly higher ESR value due primarily to decreased concentrations of plasma albumin.
A decreased ESR will be present in:
-Polycythemia.
-Congestive heart failure.
-Hypofibrinogenemia.
-The presence of red blood cell abnormalities (poikilocytosis, spherocytes, and sickle cells).
Specimen
Whole blood (4 volumes) diluted with 0.109 M trisodium citrate (1 volume).
Normal values :
– Adult male 0-15 mm/hr.
– Adult female 0-20 mm/hr.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR TEST)
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