Inflammation (ESR)

From DoctorMyhill

Test Details for Ordering
Test	Inflammation (ESR)
Laboratory	TDL
Price	£15.50
Bloods	Yes
To order this test, go to Ordering Tests. Please, make sure you have read When not to use this website to ascertain whether having this test is an appropriate and safe course of action for you.

DESCRIPTION

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sedimentation rate (sed rate), is a measure of the settling of red blood cells in a tube of blood during one hour. The rate is an indication of inflammation and increases in many diseases.

The three tests for non-specific inflammation are: ESR, plasma viscosity and C-reactive protein. When the immune system is active, the immune proteins in the serum are increased and this makes the blood more viscous. C-reactive protein is just one of those proteins.

ESR and plasma viscosity both measure the viscosity of the blood and so indirectly are measures of immune activity. Historically ESR was the first test and most doctors are very familiar with this.

Modern blood analysis equipment is set up for plasma viscosity so this is done most oftem as a routine screen.

C-reactive protein is mainly used by the rheumatologists and is a more expensive test.

I usually ask for either ESR or plasma viscosity.

SAMPLE

This test is performed on a blood sample.

The sample MUST reach the lab within 24 hours of being taken. Next day before 9 am Special Delivery or courier service have to be used.

KIT

The kit for this test includes a lavender top blood tube, packaging materials for transporting the blood sample in the post, a pre-paid addressed enveloped for returning the sample to the lab and a request form.

INSTRUCTIONS

To complete the test: have the blood taken and put in the blood tube (see blood letting information), make sure that your name and date of birth are clearly marked on the tube. Check that your details are correct on the request form. Using the packaging materials provided prepare the sample for posting to The Doctors' Laboratory. Please, make sure that the request form is sent along with the sample. Post the sample on a weekday.

Please note that there is an additional interpretation fee for my letter to your GP. See Ordering Tests for more details.