Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Lab Values

Objective: Determine the significance and clinical use of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in clinical practice   Lab Test Name: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate- ESR   Description: The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures sedimentation of Red Blood Cells (RBCs).  In normal conditions, RBCs settle or sediment very little.  Inflammation affects proteins in the blood causing RBCs to stick and settle together out of the liquid portion of the blood.   Indications: Identifies inflammation which assists in diagnosing: Cancer Infection Autoimmune diseases   Normal Therapeutic Values: Normal – 0-20 mm/hr   What would cause increased levels? Increased Conditions: Anemia Chronic Renal Failure Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) Infection Tuberculosis Pregnancy Polymyalgia Rheumatica Multiple myeloma Medications: Oral contraceptives Theophylline Vitamin A   What would cause decreased levels? Decreased Conditions: Sickle cell anemia Polycythemia Vera Leukocytosis Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) Medications: Aspirin Cortisone Quinine