Definition

1. 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

1. 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