Ulta Lab Tests

Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR)

The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test, also called the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Test, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a sample. A faster rate can signal inflammation linked to arthritis, autoimmune disease, or infection. Doctors order this test when patients have symptoms like joint pain, fever, or fatigue. While not diagnostic alone, results provide valuable insight into inflammatory activity and help guide further evaluation and treatment.

Blood
Blood Draw
Sed Rate Test
There are no preparation instructions.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: ESR, SED RATE, Sed Rate by Modified Westergren ESR

Sed Rate By Modified

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an indirect measure of the degree of inflammation present in the body. It actually measures the rate of fall (sedimentation) of erythrocytes (red blood cells) in a sample of blood.
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The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR) test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker .

Sedimentation Rate Blood Test Sample Results | Ulta Lab TestsSedimentation Rate Blood Test Sample Lab Report | Ulta Lab Tests

Testing Method: Modified Westergren

Collection Method: Blood Draw Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR) Test Blood Draw | Ulta Lab Tests

Specimen: 4 mL Whole Blood Sedimentation Rate Blood Test (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, ESR) Test Specimen Type Whole Blood | Ulta Lab Tests

Test Preparation: No preparation required

Procedure:

  • Sample Collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm.
  • Testing: The blood is placed in a tall, thin tube and left undisturbed for one hour. The rate at which red blood cells fall is measured in millimeters.
  • Results Interpretation: The distance the red blood cells fall in one hour is measured in millimeters; a higher value indicates more inflammation.

Preparation for the Test: No special preparation is required for the ESR test. However, patients should inform their healthcare provider about any medications or supplements they are taking, as some can affect the results.

Uses:

  • Diagnosis: Helps in diagnosing conditions associated with inflammation, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and tuberculosis.
  • Monitoring: Used to monitor the activity of inflammatory diseases and the effectiveness of treatment.

Limitations:

  • The ESR test is not disease-specific and can be elevated due to reasons other than inflammation, including anemia, pregnancy, and age.
  • The results need to be interpreted along with other clinical assessments and laboratory tests to determine the underlying cause of the elevated rate.

This test is a valuable tool in the clinical setting for assessing the presence and intensity of inflammatory processes in the body.

What is sedimentation rate in a blood test?

A sedimentation rate in a blood test, often referred to as an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or simply "sed rate," measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specified period, usually one hour. The test results are expressed in millimeters of the clear fluid (plasma) that is visible at the top of the tube after the red blood cells have settled.

The principle behind the test is that inflammation can cause an increase in certain proteins in the blood, which makes red blood cells clump together and settle more quickly. Therefore, a higher ESR indicates more inflammation in the body.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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