Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Key Points

• ESR indirectly measures inflammation by tracking RBC settling speed in a tube sample.
• Faster sedimentation suggests increased inflammatory protein burden.
• ESR is a nonspecific marker and is not diagnostic on its own.

Clinical Interpretation

ESR trend helps identify whether inflammatory activity is present or changing over time. It should be interpreted with symptoms, exam findings, and additional diagnostics rather than used alone for diagnosis.

Nursing Considerations

• Correlate ESR changes with infection and inflammation cues.
• Use serial trend context to support escalation or response assessment.
• Avoid overinterpreting isolated ESR elevation without clinical correlation.

Related Concepts

• c-reactive-protein-crp - Another nonspecific inflammation marker, often with faster rise.
• inflammatory-response-and-fever - Physiologic context for elevated inflammatory markers.
• cbc - Complements ESR when evaluating possible infection or inflammation.