Blood test ESR at least once every person did. What is the importance of this analysis? ESR is an abbreviation for erythrocyte sedimentation rate, which is an indicator of the rate of separation in a blood tube with an anticoagulant added to it. This separation occurs in two layers: a transparent plasma (upper layer) and settled red blood cells (lower layer). ESR is estimated by the height of the plasma layer formed in 1 hour and measured in millimeters (mm). Red blood cells have a specific gravity that is much higher than the plasma mass, which is why under the influence of an anticoagulant in a test tube (sodium citrate), heavier red blood cells settle on its bottom under the influence of gravity . The erythrocyte sedimentation process is divided into three phases, occurring at different speeds. First of all, red blood cells slowly settle in the form of separate cells. Then there is the formation of aggregates (coin columns). This process is much faster than the first phase. During the third phase, a large number of aggregates are formed. Their subsidence initially slows down, and soon ceases altogether.
A general ESR blood test shows a change in the ESR indicator depending on various pathological and physiological factors. Normally, ESR in men is slightly lower than in women. A change in the protein composition of the blood mass in pregnant women leads to an increase in this indicator. A decrease in the number of red blood cells (with anemia) leads to an acceleration of blood coagulation, and an increase in their content, on the contrary, inhibits the sedimentation rate. During pregnancy during the day, a blood ESR test shows slight fluctuations. The maximum level of this indicator is observed during the day.
The main factor influencing the formation of aggregates during erythrocyte sedimentation is the protein composition of the blood plasma. Adsorbed on red blood cells, acute-phase proteins reduce their charge and ability to repel each other. This contributes to the formation of aggregates and accelerates the sedimentation of red blood cells. In acute inflammations and infections, an increase in proteins in the acute phase leads to an increase in blood coagulation. These changes in sedimentation rate are noted 24 hours after an increase in body temperature and an increase in the number of white blood cells. During chronic inflammation, an increase in ESR is caused by an increase in the concentration of immunoglobulins and fibrinogen. The determination of blood coagulation rate in dynamics, along with other tests, are used in determining the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment of various diseases.
A blood ESR test has such indications for use: infections, tumors, inflammatory diseases, screening tests during professional examinations. This analysis is based on venous blood taken from a patient on an empty stomach.
A blood ESR test is a non-specific indicator of inflammation. With its help, negative processes occurring in the body are detected.
Blood test ESR rate (in mm / h):
- men - up to 12;
- women - up to 15.
Acceleration of ESR can be physiological: old age, pregnancy, the postpartum period and pathological: intoxication, inflammatory process, acute and chronic osteomyelitis infections, pneumonia, syphilis, tuberculosis), collagenosis (autoimmune diseases), bone fractures, trauma, myocardial infarction, anemia kidney disease (nephritis, nephrotic syndrome), surgical interventions, shock conditions, malignant tumors, medication (glucocorticoids, estrogens), paraproteinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia.
ESR slowdown can be caused by starvation, decreased muscle mass, 1-2 trimester of pregnancy, vegetarian diet, corticosteroids, mydystrophy, hyperhydration.