ESR Full-Form

The complete form of ESR is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). A blood test is performed to analyse the sedimentation of the erythrocytes (red blood cells). The test is performed to estimate the presence of inflammation in the body. An erythrocyte sedimentation rate analysis of how rapidly erythrocytes settle down in a test tube containing the blood sample. Usually, red blood cells settle down slowly, but if the red blood cells settle down faster than the usual rate, it implies inflammation in the body. The higher the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) value will result in inflammation, cancerous tumours, infection, autoimmune diseases, and rheumatic diseases. ESR is also known as Sedimentation Rate.

ESR – Full form

The complete form of ESR is Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR). The erythrocyte sedimentation rate, also known as ESR or sed rate, at which the red blood cells are anticoagulated with the blood cells in s tube over one hour. It is one of the standard haematology tests performed to measure inflammation. The test is performed by placing the anticoagulated blood in a Westergren tube. The distance at which the red blood cells (RBC) fall is measured and noted in mm at the end of an hour. After introducing automated analysers, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is automatically performed.

It is governed by the balance between pro-sedimentation factors, namely fibrinogen and zeta potential, which is the negative charge of the erythrocytes. When an inflammatory process begins, the proportion of the fibrinogen in the blood causes the red blood cells to stick to each other. Thus, the red blood cells form stacks which settle down faster due to their increased density. The stacks formed are called rouleaux. Rouleaux is formed in association with lymphoproliferative disorders. These lymphoproliferative disorders contain paraproteins that are secreted in high amounts.

History of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

In 1897, the ESR test was invented by the Polish pathologist Edmund Biernacki. After 1981, Dr Robert Fahraeus commented that the ESR varied only during pregnancy. Hence he indicated that ESR could be used as an indicator of pregnancy. Later in 1921, Dr Alf Vilhelm Albertsson Westergren used ESR to measure the outcome of tuberculosis diseases. He laid down the standards of ESR, which are still used today.

Why ESR?

A sed rate test is practical while evaluating unknown fever, types of arthritis, and experiencing uncommon symptoms. They are used to diagnose polymyalgia rheumatica, rheumatoid arthritis, and giant cell arteritis. The ESR can also help determine the severity of inflammation and monitor the effectiveness of treatment. 

Stages of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures the fall of red blood cells via the blood plasma and accumulates at the base of the container in an hour. There are three stages of sed rate. 

Stage 1: Rouleaux formation

Stage 2: Setting or Sedimentation stage

Stage 3: Packing stage 

The red blood cells are negatively charged and repel each other somewhat more than stacking. ESR reduces high blood viscosity, which slows down the rate of falls.

The sed rate is measured in millimetres. In children, the standard ESR value ranges from 1-2 mm/hr at birth and gradually rises to 4mm/hr after eight days of delivery and then to 17 mm/hr on the fourteenth day.

• For a newborn infan: 0-2mm/hr
• Neonatal to puberty: 3-13 mm/hr
• For adults, the range of ESR varies depending on the person’s age, from 1-13mm/hr for males and 1-20 mm/hr for females. People with ESR upshots outside the normal range may have different levels of a medical condition.

Low-Level condition

People with a low level of ESR may experience

• Leukaemia – a blood cancer
• Anaemia – affects the shape of RBC
• Hyperviscosity – an increase in blood thickness
• High White blood count (WBC)
• Low levels of fibrinogen 

Moderate level condition

People with moderate level ESR may not always exhibit a health condition. However, they slightly experience the following symptoms.

• Thyroid and kidney-related disease
• Tuberculosis
• Anaemia
• Lymphoma
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• RBC abnormalities, bone and heart infection

High-level conditions

People with high-level ESR, which is above 100mm/hr, may experience the following:

• Polymyalgia rheumatic or temporal arthritis
• Multiple myeloma
• Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia
• Hypersensitivity vasculitis

Ultimately ESR is not specified to diagnose any disease. Instead, they provide information about inflammation in the body.

Conclusion

An ESR test outcome outside the standard range is not a cause for concern. There are some non-medical reasons for abnormal results. The ESR test is performed to estimate the presence of inflammation in the body. If the test reveals any issue, doctors will need additional clinical details to make an exact diagnosis. The higher the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) value will result in inflammation, cancerous tumour, infection, autoimmune disease, and rheumatic diseases. It is one of the standard haematology tests performed to measure inflammation. Thus, it is advisable to maintain our health, balance our life and prevent disease.