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Updated: Jun 7, 2025
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate: A Physics-Driven Characterization in a Medical Context
Published on: March 24, 2023
Current Status of Co-Ordering of C-Reactive Protein and Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Testing in Korea
Se-Eun Koo1, Jiyeon Kim2, Jinyoung Hong3
1Department of Laboratory Medicine, H Plus Yangji Hospital, Seoul, Korea.
Insights
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) test ordering increased from 2018-2022. Frequent co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests indicates a need for diagnostic stewardship programs in Korea.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Chemistry
- Laboratory Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) are common inflammatory markers.
- Understanding trends in their utilization is crucial for healthcare resource management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the utilization and co-ordering trends of ESR and CRP tests in Korea from 2018 to 2022.
- To identify patterns and departments with high co-ordering rates.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of claims data for ESR and CRP testing from the Health Insurance and Review Agency for hospital visits in 2022.
- Inclusion of annual utilization, cost, inpatient days, and outpatient encounters from 2018-2022.
Main Results:
- A gradual increase in ESR and CRP test utilization was observed over five years, with a minor dip in 2020.
- Co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests accounted for 46.64% of claims.
- High co-ordering rates (>60%) were prevalent in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery departments, as well as in inpatient settings and primary hospitals.
Conclusions:
- Frequent co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests is a significant trend in Korean healthcare.
- There is an urgent need to implement diagnostic stewardship programs for ESR and CRP testing to optimize utilization and patient care.
Abstract:
We retrospectively examined current trends in ordering for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) testing. All claims corresponding to ESR and CRP testing for hospital visits in 2022 were obtained from a platform operated by the Health Insurance and Review Agency. The annual (2018-2022) utilization and cost of ESR and CRP, total inpatient days, and patient encounters with outpatients were retrieved. The number of ESR and CRP tests gradually increased over 5 years, except a slight decrease in 2020. The proportion of claims with co-ordering of ESR and CRP tests was 46.64%. More than 60% co-ordering claims were observed in orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery, and plastic surgery departments. The proportion of co-orders was relatively high in inpatient setting and primary hospitals. This study indicated frequent co-ordering patterns of ESR and CRP tests, highlighting an urgent need for diagnostic stewardship programs on ESR and CRP testing in Korea.
