What is an erythrocyte sedimentation blood test?

The blood test of the speed of erythrocyte sedimentation is a commonly performed hematological test, which is mainly used to assess the presence of inflammation in the body. The test results are often referred to as erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR) or simply as a sedimentation rate. Although the results obtained from the test are often non -specific, they can help show a doctor or other healthcare provider for correct diagnosis, especially if they interpret results in the context of other symptoms and laboratory findings.

In order to perform the speed of erythrocyte sedimentation, the patient's blood sample takes place. As soon as possible after the blood assembly, the blood sample is inserted into a special tube and left to rest. Red blood cells or erythrocytes are thicker than other blood components and tend to settle over the tube over time. The sedimentation rate is how quickly red blood cells fall. The test has been conceived and tested by the Polish physician Edmund Biernacki, so it is also referred to as reaction BIernacki.

measurement of how quickly the red blood cells settles on the bottom of the tube offers important information about the processes taking place in the body. The conditions in which there are many inflammations in the body result in the accumulation of proteins and other molecules on the surface of red blood cells. As a result, erythrocytes clump together and gain a higher efficient density, which increases the speed at which the solution emerges. In a completely healthy person, the blood test of erythrocyte sedimentation should bring the results of 1-2 millimeters/hour.

obtaining a high ESR value in the patient indicates the presence of inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease or hematological malignancies. Although laboratories may vary in what they consider to be a high esrot, usually a value greater than 10 millimeters/hour in men or 15 millimeters/hour in women is considered abnormal. Among the specific conditions known to have a strong firmIslost with increased ESR, is time arteritis, endocarditis, malignant melanoma, anemia and pelvic inflammatory disease.

have a reduced blood test of erythrocyte sedimentation can also indicate the presence of certain diseases. This finding is most often associated with diseases that cause red blood cells to have structural abnormalities. For example, patients with anemia of sickle cells have abnormal hemoglobin, which can lead to red blood cells to gain a strengthened shape. These patients tend to have reduced ESR. Other conditions, including spherecytosis, microcytosis and congestive heart failure, are also associated with low sedimentation.