Doctor explains Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) blood test

In this video Dr O'Donovan covers key things you need to know about the ESR blood test.

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a test tube over a period of time, typically one hour. It's a non-specific test often used as an indicator of inflammation in the body. A faster ESR rate suggests higher levels of inflammation, as red blood cells tend to clump together during inflammation, making them heavier and settling faster.

What it measures:
The ESR measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample.

How it works:
In a normal, healthy individual, red blood cells settle slowly. However, during inflammation, the body produces proteins like fibrinogen and immunoglobulins, which cause the red blood cells to clump together and settle faster.

Significance:
A high ESR can indicate inflammation, but it doesn't pinpoint the specific cause.

Normal ranges:
Normal ESR ranges vary slightly between labs, but generally, they are:
Men under 50: less than 15 mm/hr.
Men over 50: less than 20 mm/hr.
Women under 50: less than 20 mm/hr.
Women over 50: less than 30 mm/hr.

Interpretation:
A faster ESR rate means more inflammation, while a slower rate (closer to normal) suggests less inflammation.

Limitations:
ESR is a non-specific test, meaning it can be elevated in various conditions, not just one specific disease. It is also not very specific for lupus, as other tests are needed to diagnose lupus activity, says Johns Hopkins Lupus Center.

Monitoring:
ESR can be used to monitor the progress of certain inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, according to a review in the National Institutes of Health (NIH) (.gov).

*Content and time stamps*

00:00 - Introduction
00:19 - What is an ESR blood test?
00:43 - Why might you need an ESR blood test?
01:15 - How is an ESR blood test done?
01:30 - What do ESR blood results mean?
02:22 - Potential limitations of ESR blood test?
02:41 - Other tests that you might need

More information:

Lab Tests Online UK - https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/e...

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