Purpose of Test
Inflammation is the immune system’s response to infection, disease, or injury.
A sed rate result can be an indication of the severity of inflammation.
There are few risks associated with this test and there are no contraindications.
Illustration by Cindy Chung, Verywell
These proteins are called acute phase reactants.
AC-reactive protein (CRP) testis often ordered along with a sed rate.
This test can also help diagnose certain blood disorders.
Along with your other test results, your sed rate can help point to whether you have inflammation.
Be sure to tell your provider about all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you’re taking.
Oral contraceptives, aspirin, cortisone, and vitamin A may affect your test result.
Contact your insurer with any questions.
During the Test
A technician, nurse or phlebotomist will perform your sed rate test.
The person at the front desk will let you know.
As your blood is drawn, it’s placed in a tall, thin, vertical tube.
At this point, you shouldn’t feel anything as long as you hold still.
It may take a few days for your test results to come back.
Managing Side Effects
The risks associated with any blood test are small.
Interpreting Results
The Westergren method is the usual technique used for measuring sed rate.
The results are reported in mm/hr (millimeters per hour).
Typically, sed rate increases with age and it tends to be higher in women.
Some laboratories adjust for gender or age, while some labs don’t.
The standard range can vary slightly between labs.
Anelevated sed ratecan occur for a number of reasons.
Treatment for RA typically includes medications to keep symptoms under control.
A variety of medications are used to treat lupus, depending on its severity and symptoms.
How does the sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR) test.
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Sed Rate (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate or ESR) Test.
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Updated July 11, 2018.
Mayo Clinic Staff.Sed Rate (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate).
Updated December 30, 2017.
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Updated May 21, 2017.
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR).
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Updated September 6, 2017.
