Name of the Procedure:

Sedimentation Rate, Erythrocyte; Non-Automated
Common name(s): Sed Rate, ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

Summary

The Sedimentation Rate (Sed Rate) test measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube over an hour. A non-automated method involves manual measurement to determine levels of inflammation in the body.

Purpose

• Medical Condition or Problem: It helps detect inflammation in the body, which could indicate conditions such as infections, cancers, or autoimmune diseases.
• Goals or Expected Outcomes: To identify the presence and severity of inflammation, aiding in the diagnosis and monitoring of diseases.

Indications

• Symptoms such as persistent fever, muscle aches, or joint stiffness.
• Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, or systemic lupus erythematosus.
• Follow-up on known inflammatory conditions to monitor disease progression or response to treatment.

Preparation

• Pre-procedure Instructions: Generally, no special preparation is needed. Patients can eat and drink normally unless instructed otherwise by a healthcare provider.
• Diagnostic Tests or Assessments: No specific tests are required beforehand.

Procedure Description

1. A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of blood from a vein in the arm.
2. The blood is placed into a vertical test tube.
3. The professional observes the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of the tube over 60 minutes.
   • Tools, Equipment, or Technology Used: Test tube, blood collection needle, and timer.
   • Anesthesia or Sedation Details: None required.

Duration

The blood draw takes a few minutes, while the observation period is 60 minutes.

Setting

Typically performed in a hospital laboratory, outpatient clinic, or diagnostic center.

Personnel

• Healthcare Professionals Involved: Phlebotomist or nurse for blood draw, lab technician for the measurement.

Risks and Complications

• Common Risks: Pain or bruising at the needle site.
• Rare Risks: Infection at the puncture site, excessive bleeding.

Benefits

• Expected Benefits: Identification of inflammatory conditions, aiding in diagnosis, monitoring disease activity.
• Realization Timeframe: The results are usually available within a few hours to a day.

Recovery

• Post-procedure Care and Instructions: Minimal care needed, monitor for any unusual swelling or pain at the needle site.
• Expected Recovery Time: Immediate; patients can resume normal activities right away.
• Follow-up Appointments: Depending on the results, follow-up appointments may be needed to discuss further diagnostic evaluations or treatment plans.

Alternatives

• Other Treatment Options Available: C-reactive protein (CRP) test, other blood tests specific to conditions suspected.
• Pros and Cons: ESR is a quick, simple, and inexpensive method but less specific than CRP.

Patient Experience

• During the Procedure: A needle prick similar to any blood test, slight discomfort.
• After the Procedure: Minimal to no discomfort. Any pain can be managed with over-the-counter pain relief if necessary.