🏾 What is Sed rate (ESR)?
The sedimentation rate, Sed rate, is the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) fall into a vertical graduated tube left to rest (sedimentation). Its value corresponds to the height, in mm, of plasma above the formed elements of the blood after incubation for 1 hour.
This rate evolves in parallel with the concentrations of proteins in the blood , especially in the event of inflammation where the levels of inflammatory proteins (fibrinogen or immunoglobulins) increase. The positive charges of these proteins facilitate the agglutination of red blood cells, these agglutinations are denser than the individual cells, therefore, they settle more quickly to the bottom.
The sed rate test is not a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it can help your doctor diagnose or monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease.
ESR : Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Westergren tube used to measure ESR
🏾 Sed rate normal range
The ESR measured is expressed in millimeters (mm) (corresponds to the distance in millimeters that the red blood cells have traveled in one hour)..
Although "normal" ESR values vary from lab to lab, it is generally accepted that :
- Men : < 15 mm
- Women : < 20 mm
- Child : < 10 mm
Test results may vary depending on your age (increases with age), gender, pregnancy, technical factors (dilution problem, high temperature, tube tilt), etc.
Note : For some references, the normal value is < 20 mm for men and < 25mm for women.
🏾 ESR blood test
In general, there are no special preparations to make before the test, it is a routine blood test that can be done at any time and does not require fasting, unless your blood sample will be used for additional tests (e.g. blood sugar).
A healthcare professional will take a sample of blood from a vein in your arm, using a small needle.
🏾 Sed Rate results : Interpretation
High Sed Rate
A rise in ESR above 15mm (20mm for women) can mean your body is having an inflammatory reaction to something but won't identify its location or cause.
There are several causes of a high sedimentation rate: arthritis, vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, infection, hyperlipoproteinemia, hypergammaglobulinemia, hypoalbuminemia, macrocytosis, etc.
The value of sedimentation Rate is a piece of information that can help your doctor check your condition by considering your history, symptoms, and the results of your other diagnostic tests.
Low Sed Rate
◾ Among the causes of a decrease in sedimentation rate: Leucocytosis, polycythemia, sickle cell disease, anisocytosis, acanthocytosis, microcytosis, technical factors (dilution problems, insufficient mixing, sample coagulation, short tube), low fibrinogen, hypogammaglobulinemia, taking certain anti-inflammatories in high doses.
🏾 Sedimentation rate and Covid-19
Comme toutes autres infections, le Covid-19 peut être accompagné, indépendamment de la gravité de la maladie, par une augmentation de la vitesse de sédimentation.
🏾 Sedimentation rate and pregnancy
The sedimentation rate of erythrocytes is strongly influenced by gestational age and hemoglobin concentration.
ESR increases, during pregnancy, in parallel with gestational age and can reach, according to a study, 70mm/h in the second half of pregnancy.
🏾 Why is ESR higher in women than in men?
The normal ESR is higher in women than in men, mainly due to a lower hemoglobin level in women.
🏾 What other tests could I have with this test ?
- CRP : Like ESR, this test measures inflammation.
- Antinuclear antibody test : Mesure les auto-anticorps qui attaquent vos cellules. Ceci est important dans le diagnostic de certaines maladies auto-immunes.
- Rheumatoid factor : This test is done to help diagnose and monitor rheumatoid arthritis.
🏾 Difference Between CRP and Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Compared to the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is an indirect test of inflammation, the levels of CRP increase and decrease rapidly with the onset and removal of the inflammatory stimulus, respectively.
🏿 Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does a high sedimentation rate mean?
A: A high sedimentation rate is a sign that you have a disease that causes inflammation in your body.
Q: Why does ESR increase with age?
A: This increase is related to the increase in fibrinogen levels with age.
Q: When should I be worried about my SV?
A: ESR levels above 100 mm/h could indicate a more “active” disease, such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.
Q: What are the factors that can influence the VS result ?
A: Many factors can affect your results, such as: age,
medication use,
pregnancy,
menstruation. etc
Q: Does Hashimoto cause high sedimentation rate?
A: The sedimentation rate is high, very variable in relation to the chronology of the disease.
