Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), Summary of Interpretation
November 2, 2020Blog
- Erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) is a nonspecific test for various diseases. But I have seen it has value in the diagnosis of various diseases.
- If someone complains of vague symptoms, in that case, advise ESR. If ESR is raised, it indicates definitely the patient has some underlying diseases that may be infections or cancer.
- It is raised in chronic inflammatory diseases, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies.
- ESR is usually slightly higher in old age.
- This test may be used to monitor the autoimmune disease like Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).
- This test may help support the diagnosis of temporal arteritis, polymyalgia, and vasculitis.
- I will suggest if you have patient with a history of weight loss, body pain and aches or vague symptoms, advise ESR.