erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A laboratory measurement: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a common hematology test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a tube of blood over a set period, typically one hour. The speed of this settling is expressed in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).
- A non-specific indicator: A high erythrocyte sedimentation rate typically signals the presence of increased levels of certain proteins in the blood, which is a general marker of inflammation, infection, tissue damage, or other disease states in the body.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The doctor ordered an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test to help diagnose the cause of the patient's persistent fever and joint pain.
- An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate, while not diagnostic of a specific condition, prompted further investigation for autoimmune disorders.
Advanced Usage
- Clinical Context: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is often discussed in conjunction with other tests, like the C-reactive protein (CRP) level, to assess and monitor inflammatory activity.
- In monitoring rheumatoid arthritis, physicians track both the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and clinical symptoms to gauge disease activity.
- Interpretation Factors: The result must be interpreted in the context of the patient's age, sex, and overall clinical picture, as the normal range varies.
- While a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate is concerning, it is a non-specific finding and can be influenced by factors like anemia or pregnancy.
Variants and Related Words
- ESR: The standard and most common abbreviation for "erythrocyte sedimentation rate."
- The lab report showed an ESR of 45 mm/hr.
- Sedimentation Rate: A less precise but frequently used synonym.
- The sedimentation rate was checked during the annual physical.
Synonyms
- ESR: (Abbreviation) The direct acronym.
- Sed Rate: (Informal Abbreviation) A common informal term used in clinical settings.
- Westergren Rate: Refers specifically to the Westergren method, which is a standard technique for performing the test.
Related Phrases
- ESR test: The specific laboratory procedure to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
- She fasted before her blood draw for the ESR test.
- Elevated ESR / High ESR: Phrases used to describe an abnormal result.
- The patient's high ESR correlated with the active inflammation seen on the scan.
Noun
- the rate at which red blood cells settle out in a tube of blood under standardized conditions; a high rate usually indicates the presence of inflammation