Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Also written as: ESR — Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
A non-specific haematological blood test measuring the rate at which red blood cells settle in plasma, used as a general marker of inflammation in dermatological workup.
Full Definition
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) fall through a column of anticoagulated blood over one hour, expressed in millimetres per hour (mm/h). An elevated ESR is a non-specific marker of systemic inflammation, infection, or malignancy and is used in the dermatological workup of conditions such as vasculitis, lupus erythematosus, and psoriatic arthritis. Editors should always expand the acronym on first use and ensure units are presented consistently as 'mm/h' (not 'mm per hour' or 'mm/hr' unless house style dictates otherwise). ESR should be distinguished from CRP (C-reactive protein), which is a more sensitive acute-phase inflammatory marker.
Usage
Usage note: Expand on first mention; use mm/h as the unit; do not substitute 'sed rate' in formal clinical documents.
In Context
- "Laboratory investigations included a full blood count, an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and antinuclear antibodies." — Dermatology outpatient letter
- "The ESR was markedly elevated at 98 mm/h, raising suspicion for systemic vasculitis." — Inpatient investigation summary