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Definition: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a diagnostic test for inflammation. The test measures the rate at which red blood cells fall to the bottom of a tube over time. An increased sedimentation rate corresponds to increased non-specific inflammation in the body. It is often called "sedrate" for short.

Also Known As: ESR, sedimentation rate, sedrate

Common Misspellings: ERS

Examples: The doctor ordered a sedimentation rate.