What does ESR stand for?

ESR stands for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, which is a common laboratory test used to assess inflammation in the body. The test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube filled with blood. A higher rate of sedimentation typically indicates the presence of inflammatory processes, infections, or other medical conditions. The concept behind the test is that certain proteins increase in the blood during inflammation, causing red blood cells to clump together and settle more rapidly. This test is not specific to any disease, but it can provide clues about inflammatory activity and guide further diagnostic evaluations.