What is erythrocyte sedimentation rate?

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which is determined by the Westergren method, measures how quickly red blood cells (RBCs) settle at the bottom of a blood sample tube in millimeters (mm) in one hour.

Factors that affect sedimentation

Conditions affecting the ESR

Before we move onto the next lesson, here are some take-home messages for you.

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In general, ESR has higher sensitivity and negative predictive value (NPV) but lower specificity and positive predictive value (PPV).

Mindray is soon going to launch a new hematology series that incorporates both CBC and ESR analysis. Stay tuned for its global launch lunch event on March 1^st!

References
[1] Aldo F.F.R, Luiz J.S. Alteration in the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in Dengue Patients: Analysis of 1,398 Cases The Brazilian journal of infectious
diseases: an official publication of the Brazilian Society of Infectious Diseases Med 2009;12(6):472-5.
[2]. https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/erythrocyte- sedimentation-rate-esr
[3]. https://labs.selfdecode.com/blog/erythrocyte- sedimentation-rate-esr-high-low-levels-how-to-decrease-it/
[4]. ICSH recommendations for measurement of erythrocyte sedimentation rate. International Council for Standardization in Haematology (Expert Panel on
Blood Rheology). J Clin Pathol. 1993 Mar;46(3):198-203. [PMC free article] [PubMed]