The abbreviation for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is the rate at which erythrocytes (red blood cells) sink to the bottom of a test tube. The is increased if the level of fibrinogen (a type of protein) in the blood is raised. Fibrinogen is raised in response to a range of illnesses, including inflammation, especially when this is caused by infection or by an autoimmune disease. The is also increased if levels of immunoglobulins are very high, as occurs in multiple myeloma. is therefore useful for helping to diagnose these conditions as well as in monitoring their treatment.
The ESR or erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a test that measures the rate at which red blood cells settle out of suspension in blood PLASMA. In certain diseases, such as infection and malignancy, the amount of proteins in the plasma increases; the result is that red cells settle out more quickly and this test is used to show whether in?ammation is present and, to some extent, its severity.
(erythrocyte sedimentation rate) the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle out of suspension in blood plasma, measured under standardized conditions. The ESR increases if the level of certain proteins in the plasma rises, as in rheumatic diseases, chronic infections, and malignant disease, and thus provides a simple but valuable screening test for these conditions.
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