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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). Prices, Reviews, Ratings

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ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a criterion in a complete blood count (CBC). Blood samples with anticoagulant are placed in a tube, where red blood cells gradually settle, forming an upper plasma layer.

ESR – erythrocyte sedimentation rate, a criterion in a complete blood count (CBC). Blood samples with anticoagulant are placed in a tube, where red blood cells gradually settle, forming an upper plasma layer.

What Is ESR?

This process has three stages:

  • Cellular column formation.
  • Viscosity transformation, creating an erythro-plasma boundary, with column conglomerates settling to the tube bottom.
  • Column consolidation, erythrocyte compaction, and settling at the bottom.

In modern guidelines, ESR is the designated marker, measured in millimeters per liter (mm/L). Normal ranges are 1-20 mm/h for men and 2-30 mm/h for women.

Indications for ESR Testing

This criterion isn’t disease-specific but is vital in comprehensive CBC analysis, diagnostics, prognosis, and therapy monitoring.

Above-normal values signal various pathologies, inflammations, infections, and tissue damage, indicating changes in plasma protein concentration and composition, or malignancies.

Slight increases are normal in pregnancy, allergic reactions, menstruation, and postpartum; minor slowing occurs during intense muscle training.

How Is ESR Measured?

Testing occurs mornings, fasting, typically via capillary blood from a fingertip, pricked with a disposable lancet. The finger is disinfected with an alcohol-soaked swab, which also stops bleeding post-procedure.

Main methods are Panchenkov (manual) and Westergren (automated), both separating citrate-diluted blood into plasma and cell fractions in a graduated capillary over an hour. Panchenkov’s 70 mark equals Westergren’s 100, a difference to consider in interpretation.

Result accuracy heavily depends on proper sample collection and preparation techniques.

Testing is challenging in newborns, young children, and those with significant obesity.

Automated ESR technology, based on erythrocyte kinetic aggregation, is increasingly used, delivering results in seconds via ESR analyzers.

Completion Time for ESR Testing

Classic methods take about an hour; ESR analyzers provide results in 20-30 seconds.

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29 Jan 2025, 14:26
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