How Do You Read Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Blood Test Results?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) blood tests are used to determine the amount of inflammation that is present in the body. They may be used to detect or monitor conditions such as tuberculosis, autoimmune disorders, inflammatory diseases, arthritis and tissue death. While these tests are used to screen for some diseases, they are not intended to diagnose a specific disorder. Clean the puncture site (usually inside the elbow) with antiseptic. Apply a band around the upper arm to cause the veins at the puncture site to fill with blood. Insert a needle attached to an air-tight syringe into the vein and collect the appropriate amount of blood. Remove the band. Withdraw the needle. Cover the puncture site to stop any bleeding. Take the blood sample to the lab immediately for processing. Perform an ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) blood test by placing anticoagulated blood in an upright Westergren tube. Observe and report the rate at which the red blood cells fall to the bottom of th
