The erythrocyte sedimentation rate

PREVIEW

Inflammatory, infectious, and malignant conditions tend to increase plasma's protein content, causing red blood cells to stack up, weigh more, and settle faster, for a higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The concept sounds straightforward enough. Unfortunately, several factors can affect the rate, so the test can produce both false-positive and false-negative results. Nevertheless, it's a useful test when chosen for the correct purposes. In this article, Dr Brigden explains what those purposes are.