Knowra Erythrocyte sedimentation rate Erythrocyte sedimentation rate The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures how far red blood cells settle in a vertical blood sample over a specified time, usually one hour. It is a nonspecific marker that can rise with inflammation.
Rouleaux formation : The stacking of red blood cells into coin-like aggregates, promoted by plasma proteins. Rouleaux settle faster than separate cells and account for much of the ESR increase during inflammation.
Rheumatoid arthritis : A chronic autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of the joints and can affect other organs. ESR can help track inflammatory activity, though it cannot diagnose rheumatoid arthritis by itself.
C-reactive protein test : A blood test that measures the concentration of C-reactive protein, an acute-phase inflammatory marker. CRP usually responds and falls faster than ESR, making the tests complementary rather than interchangeable.
Erythrocyte : A red blood cell that transports oxygen using hemoglobin. ESR measures the behavior of these cells as they settle through plasma.
Fibrinogen : A soluble plasma protein that is converted into fibrin during blood clotting. Inflammation can raise fibrinogen, which encourages red-cell aggregation and faster sedimentation.
Giant cell arteritis : An inflammatory disease of large and medium arteries, especially arteries in the head. A markedly raised ESR can support suspicion, but a normal result does not safely exclude the disease.
Procalcitonin : A peptide precursor whose blood concentration can rise during systemic bacterial infection. Unlike ESR, procalcitonin is used chiefly to assess bacterial infection rather than inflammation broadly.
Blood plasma : The liquid component of blood in which blood cells are suspended. Plasma proteins alter how red blood cells aggregate and therefore affect the sedimentation rate.
Red blood cell morphology : The shape, size, and structural features of red blood cells. Cell shape and size affect aggregation and settling, influencing ESR independently of inflammation.
Polymyalgia rheumatica : An inflammatory disorder causing pain and stiffness around the shoulders and hips, usually in older adults. ESR is often raised and can help assess this condition alongside symptoms.
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