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ESR Practical Notes and Procedures

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube, indicating inflammation in the body, with normal values being 0-15 mm/hr for men and 0-20 mm/hr for women. The most common method for testing is the Westergren Method, which involves filling a tube with anticoagulated blood and measuring the sedimentation after one hour. Increased ESR can indicate infections and inflammatory diseases, while decreased ESR may suggest conditions like polycythemia and sickle cell anemia.

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696 views2 pages

ESR Practical Notes and Procedures

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) measures the rate at which red blood cells settle in a tube, indicating inflammation in the body, with normal values being 0-15 mm/hr for men and 0-20 mm/hr for women. The most common method for testing is the Westergren Method, which involves filling a tube with anticoagulated blood and measuring the sedimentation after one hour. Increased ESR can indicate infections and inflammatory diseases, while decreased ESR may suggest conditions like polycythemia and sickle cell anemia.

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ndjat100
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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) - Practical Notes

Definition

ESR is the rate at which red blood cells (RBCs) settle down in a vertical tube over one hour. It indicates the

presence of inflammation in the body.

Normal Values

Men: 0-15 mm/hr

Women: 0-20 mm/hr

Principle

When anticoagulated blood is allowed to stand, RBCs settle at the bottom of the tube. In inflammation,

certain proteins (like fibrinogen) cause RBCs to stick together (rouleaux formation), which increases the

sedimentation rate.

Methods

1. Westergren Method (most common)

2. Wintrobe Method

Materials Required

- ESR tube (Westergren/Wintrobe)

- Anticoagulated blood (with EDTA or citrate)

- Timer

- ESR stand

Procedure (Westergren Method)

1. Mix anticoagulated blood gently.

2. Fill the Westergren tube up to 0 mark.

3. Place vertically in the stand.

4. Wait for 1 hour.


Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) - Practical Notes

5. Read the level of clear plasma above RBC column in mm.

Clinical Importance

Increased ESR:

- Infections

- Inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis)

- Tuberculosis

- Autoimmune conditions

- Anemia

Decreased ESR:

- Polycythemia

- Sickle cell anemia

- Congestive heart failure

Precautions

- Avoid air bubbles.

- Tube must be vertical.

- No vibrations during test.

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