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[edit | edit source]

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

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 .

Physiological values of FW^[1]
Men	2–5 mm/hour
Women	3–8 mm/hour

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[edit | edit source]

Erythrocyte sedimentation

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.^[2]