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What is an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate?

By Carol & Richard Eustice, About.com

Updated February 01, 2005

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

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.
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