Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells (RBCs) settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specified period, typically one hour. It is a nonspecific test used to detect inflammation or other medical conditions.

Normal ESR Values

ESR values vary by age, gender, and laboratory methods. Below are the general normal ranges:

• Men: 0–15 mm/hour
• Women: 0–20 mm/hour
• Children: 0–10 mm/hour
• Newborns: 0–2 mm/hour
• Elderly (both genders): 0–30 mm/hour

Factors Affecting ESR

1. Increased ESR:
   • Infections (bacterial, viral, or fungal)
   • Chronic inflammatory diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
   • Autoimmune disorders
   • Cancers (e.g., lymphoma, multiple myeloma)
   • Anemia
   • Kidney disease
   • Pregnancy
2. Decreased ESR:
   • Polycythemia (increased RBC count)
   • Sickle cell anemia
   • Congestive heart failure
   • Hyperviscosity syndromes
   • Low plasma proteins (e.g., hypofibrinogenemia)

How ESR Is Measured

1. Westergren Method (most common):
   • Blood is mixed with an anticoagulant and placed in a vertical tube.
   • The distance RBCs fall (in mm) in one hour is measured.
2. Wintrobe Method:
   • Similar to the Westergren method but uses a shorter tube.

Clinical Significance

• High ESR: Indicates inflammation, infection, or other systemic conditions. It is not diagnostic but serves as a clue for further investigation.
• Low ESR: Rarely clinically significant but may indicate specific blood disorders.

If you need assistance with interpreting ESR results or its relevance to a specific condition, feel free to ask!