Value of routine estimation of erythrocyte sedimentation rate in surgical patients

The value of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) as a screening test has been assessed through a retrospective analysis of 1648 surgical patients, in whom this test was not necessary for diagnosis, treatment or evaluation of risk factors. The ESR was inexplicably elevated in 42 patients (2.5%), but a marked increase was found in only very few cases, and in none had this finding been of any consequence for the admission in question. One patient had a malignant disease, which was not diagnosed during hospitalization, but the reasons for this were incorrect interpretation of relevant diagnostic procedures. We conclude that ESR can be excluded as a screening test in surgical patients, when diagnosis and therapeutic measures can be decided by history-taking and physical examination.