Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test: Why is it needed?

General
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The erythrocyte in our blood tends to settle down at a certain rate; this test is known as the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test. ESR test is a simple, inexpensive hematology test to check if any inflammatory process is occurring in the body. Low-grade chronic inflammation is seen in diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, any low-grade infection, tumor formation, arthritis, autoimmune disorders, etc. A higher ESR is observed in all these conditions, and thus this test becomes a bottom line to measure overall health.

ESR
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The ESR-2 hour is a blood test commonly known as “sickness indicator,” and it checks the inflammatory activity in the body. In this test, the blood sample is put into a special tube, which then starts to fall down (sedimentation). In case of internal inflammation/irritation, the blood cells fall at a higher rate due to clump formation. The falling rate is normally measured at 1 hour and 2 hours; the 2 hour test has higher sensitivity.

Physicians generally recommend this test based on symptoms as mentioned below:

● Unexplained weight loss

● Anaemia

● Unexplained regular headache

● Loss of Appetite

● Pain around neck

● Unexplained Fever

● Stiffness in muscles

● Recommended as part of internal inflammation monitoring in any disease

Causes of high ESR 2 hour test result:

o Obesity

o Diabetes

o Pregnancy

o Old age

o Thyroid problems

o Any systemic or localized infection that causes inflammation

o Any tissue injury and obstruction to blood flow in tissues, viz. ischemia

o Cancerous growth

o Kidney diseases

o Blood vascular diseases

o Cardiovascular diseases

In addition to higher ESR, the lower value of ESR is also associated with health conditions like Polycythemia (higher number of RBCs) and Sickle cell anaemia. After diagnosis with higher ESR 2 hour additional tests are usually done to find the actual reason behind high values. Persistent elevated value of ESR 2 hour test generally confirms a hidden pathology, which needs elaborate testing. Accordingly, the physician gives an action plan to follow up.

Would you guess what the ESR 2 Hour test results are for a regular alcohol consumer, even in low amounts?

MBH/PS

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I would be curious to know the actual value. Regular alcohol consumption, even in small amounts, may influence inflammation, but ESR alone cannot confirm that alcohol is the cause of an elevated result. Other factors such as infection, obesity, diabetes, age, or other health conditions can also affect ESR.

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Interesting read! I liked the reminder that ESR is a useful marker of inflammation but isn’t specific enough to tell us the actual cause on its own. It’s easy to see a raised ESR and immediately start looking for one diagnosis, so interpreting it alongside the clinical picture and other investigations is really important.

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Yes, alcohol consumption induces inflammation, and ESR is one of the inflammatory markers that should deviate from normal. But a low amount of regular alcohol consumption is associated with a lower ESR value. Higher ESR is observed with higher amounts of alcohol consumption. Additionally, ESR could be influenced by a number of factors.

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ESR is usually done as a part of other blood tests (CBC). So it is one of the inflammatory markers, other tests surely are required to confirm any medical condition.