What is SED Rate and why is it important?
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR or Sed Rate) is a very simple test that the lab can run on a fresh blood sample. The test is run by putting a few milliliters of whole, anticoagulated blood into a long slender tube. The tube is then placed in a rack and allowed to stand for 60 minutes. After the 60 minute incubation, the distance that the erythrocytes (red blood cells, or RBC) have settled is measured. Everyone’s blood will show some settling during the 60 minute period.
