ESR is a simple lab test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a tube containing anticoagulant over a specific time period, usually 1 hour. A higher ESR value generally indicates the presence of an inflammatory process in the body.
ESR Measurement Method
ESR is commonly measured using the Westergren method, in which the patient's blood is placed in a specialized tube containing sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. The rate at which the red blood cells settle is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). This process is influenced by interactions between plasma proteins (such as fibrinogen and immunoglobulins) and the surface of erythrocytes.
ESR testing is recommended for:
- Detecting chronic or acute inflammation
- Monitoring disease activity in autoimmune conditions such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis
- Observing treatment response in infectious or inflammatory diseases
- Assessing the likelihood of certain cancers
Factors Influencing ESR Values
- Age and gender (women typically have slightly higher ESR values)
- Pregnancy (tends to increase ESR)
- Anemia (can elevate ESR)
- Polycythemia (can lower ESR)
- Technical conditions during sample collection and testing
Advantages of Seasight ESR Test Tube
- Made of USP VI Polypropylene material, lightweight and shatter-resistant
- Complies with top industry standards set by ICSH and CLSI, ensuring consistent and credible ESR testing
- Clear 0–150 mm reading scale
- Cost-effective
- Long shelf life of up to 2 years
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a vital laboratory test for detecting and monitoring inflammation in the body. Although it is not specific to any one disease, ESR provides a general overview of a patient's health condition. Selecting the right testing equipment—such as the Seasight ESR Test Tube (0–150 mm)—significantly impacts the accuracy and safety of the results. With its superior accuracy, safety, and ease of use, the Seasight ESR Test Tube (0–150 mm) is the optimal choice for laboratories focused on quality service.
References
- Dacie, J. V., & Lewis, S. M. (2016). Practical Haematology. 12th ed. Elsevier Health Sciences.
- International Council for Standardization in Haematology (ICSH). (2017). Recommendations for Measurement of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). American Journal of Clinical Pathology, 148(1), 1–9.
- World Health Organization. (2020). WHO Guidelines on Drawing Blood: Best Practices in Phlebotomy. Geneva: WHO Press.
