Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (abbreviation ESR/FW – Fahraeus Westergren ) is a common laboratory test that indicates the rate of sedimentation of erythrocytes in a sample of non-clotting blood.

Physiological sedimentation
The sedimentation rate depends mainly on the size of the sedimenting particles. Physiologically, it increases with age, we also find higher values ​​in women (smaller number of red blood cells and increased concentration of fibrinogen), especially during pregnancy.


 * An equation taking into account the age of the examined person: :
 * ♂ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/hour) ≤ age / 2
 * ♀ erythrocyte sedimentation rate (mm/hour) ≤ (age + 10) / 2

Causes of increased FW values
Blood sedimentation is accelerated in pathological conditions, usually in conditions with an acute phase reaction. Erythrocytes tend to aggregate and thus form cylindrical clusters (so-called erythrocyte flocculation), which sediment faster than individual erythrocytes. The formation of clusters is supported by certain proteins, mainly fibrinogen and gamma-globulins.

Typical examples include: inflammation, tumors, necrosis, anemia, macrocytosis, monoclonal gammopathy, SLE, hyperfibrinogenemia, but also alcoholism, obesity, etc.

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