Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (with its inherent limitations) Remains a Useful Investigation in Contemporary Clinical Practice

Abstract

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate(ESR) determined by Westergren method is used in diagnosis and monitoring inflammatory activities. Extremely elevated ESR (>100mm/hr) is usually indicative of a serious underlying disease. ESR phenomenon occurs in three phases (Aggregation, Decantation & Packaging) and is related to certain laws of physics like Stokes’s law. ESR by Westergren method is affected by RBC, Plasma and Technical factors and also by many physiological and clinical states. ESR by Westergren method is endorsed by International Council for Standardization in Haematology as a “Gold Standard” for ESR determination and provides recommendations to perform ESR by reference method. ESR by conventional Westergren method has many limitations necessitating technical innovations and alternate test methods in ESR determination.