What Is The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate?
Clinical laboratory tests are very important in medical practice. Sometimes these are the only way to determine the presence of a disease. One of the tests that is often required is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is also known as Westergren, ESR, ESR or SED sedimentation rate. It is a test that measures the speed at which red blood cells settle to the base of the test tube. A higher or lower speed than normal may indicate the presence of various medical problems.
Under normal conditions, erythrocytes or red blood cells have a negative charge. This causes them to repel each other at a sedimentation rate of 10 mm (0.039 inches) per hour. The value can vary depending on the subject and his lifestyle.
What is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate and why should it be measured?
- Fever of unknown origin
- Some types of arthritis
- Symptoms affecting the muscles
The physician should analyze the patient’s symptoms along with the results of the laboratory examination. By doing so, you will be able to reach a diagnosis. Specialists can use ESR as an important diagnostic criterion for two diseases: rheumatic polymyalgia and temporal arthritis. Both diseases are very rare and tend to occur only in patients over 50 years of age.
Rheumatic polymyalgia is an inflammatory disease that affects the proximal muscles of the limbs and torso, causing pain and limiting movement. Temporal arthritis causes headaches, decreased vision, fever, jaw failure and anemia.
How should you prepare for this test?
ESR is a simple and fast analysis that does not require any training. If you only have an erythrocyte sedimentation rate, there is no need to refrain from eating. If you do other tests at the same time, you should take appropriate action.
To perform the test, the specialist will need to draw blood with a syringe from his arm. During the test, you may feel a slight pain, which can sometimes manifest for the rest of the day. It should not affect your ability to perform daily activities.
For analysis, the Westergreen method will be used. Specialists mix 2 ml of blood with 0.5 ml of citrate in a test tube and measure the distance between free erythrocytes. After an hour, measure the distance between the red blood cells in millimeters again to determine how fast they went down.
What does a large ESR mean?
If the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes exceeds normal values, it may suggest the presence of diseases that develop with inflammation and the presence of certain neoplasms. According to studies, the rate increases over a period of 24 hours and does not return to normal values until after the disease has improved.
These diseases increase the concentration of proteins in the blood plasma. Each of these proteins, especially fibrinogen, will affect the surface load of red blood cells, causing them to descend at a higher rate.
However, various situations that increase fibrinogen in the blood, such as pregnancy, diabetes or end-stage renal disease are able to increase the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation. Among other causes, we can mention the following:
- Macrocytosis (when red blood cells are larger than normal)
- Acute hemorrhage
- Acute myocardial infarction
- Lymphoma
- Metastatic carcinoma (stage IV or advanced cancer)
What does a low erythrocyte sedimentation rate mean?
In most cases, a low erythrocyte sedimentation rate is not medically relevant. The level can reach 0 mm in normal patients and is therefore not a cause for concern.
However, a low erythrocyte sedimentation rate, between 0 and 3 mm (0 and 0.006 peaks – USA), is associated with various health problems. These include the following:
- Polyglobulia or a large number of red blood cells
- Red blood cell deformities
- Hyperviscosity syndromes
- Smoking
- Heart failure
A simple but effective test
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is not a complex test, but it is useful when the presence of diseases that develop with inflammation is suspected. It can guide the doctor and help him make a correct diagnosis.
Regarding the role of the patient, there is no special training before performing the test. After the procedure, the patient will be able to continue his daily activities without any inconvenience!
