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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate - ESR

What does the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate - ESR blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:

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The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. It's a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body. Elevated ESR levels can suggest various conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. However, it's not diagnostic on its own and is often used in conjunction with other tests to aid in diagnosis and monitor disease activity. The test is simple, inexpensive, and widely used, but it can be affected by factors like age, gender, and pregnancy.

Acceptable Range:   0 to 20
Ideal for Women:   0-20
Ideal for Men:   0-15
Ideal for Girls:   0-20
Ideal for Boys:   0-15
Test Method: blood

What do readings below 0 mm/hr for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate - ESR mean?

A low ESR reading (below the range_lower) is generally not considered clinically significant. In rare cases, it might indicate:

  1. Polycythemia (increased red blood cell count)
  2. Sickle cell anemia
  3. Leukocytosis (high white blood cell count)
  4. Hypofibrinogenemia (low fibrinogen levels)

However, a low ESR doesn’t typically require further investigation unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms or test results.

What do readings above 20 mm/hr for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate - ESR mean?

A high ESR reading (above the range_upper) indicates increased inflammation in the body. This can be caused by various conditions, including:

  1. Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
  2. Autoimmune disorders (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, lupus)
  3. Cancers (especially lymphoma and multiple myeloma)
  4. Chronic diseases (e.g., kidney disease, thyroid disease)
  5. Pregnancy or menstruation

A high ESR warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Additional tests and clinical evaluation are usually necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.

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