In the general blood test, ESR is not the last place (the modern version is ROE). In the blood, its norm is determined to detect many diseases. This indicator makes it possible to suspect anemia, malignant neoplasms, hepatitis, immunopathology, etc.
ROE: what is it?
The reaction (or speed) of erythrocyte sedimentation - this is how the abbreviation ROE stands for. The specific gravity of red blood cells is greater than that of plasma, therefore, under the influence of gravitational forces, blood is distributed into layers. The lower, darker, should be a saturated red color, red blood cells are collected in it. The top layer is more transparent and contains mainly plasma. To calculate the reaction, the temporary unit during which subsidence is carried out (usually 1 hour), as well as the length of the column (measured in mm), are taken into account. To obtain reliable data, it is better to take a blood test in the morning. ROE, the norm of which is exceeded, may indicate an increase in the specific gravity of red blood cells due to their rapid bonding. And this indicates a disease.
Norma ROE
As doctors note, in women and men, the ROE in the blood is significantly different. The norm for males is 2-8 mm in one hour. With age, this figure can change, after 60 years it can reach 15 mm. For women, the norm is to increase the reaction to 15 mm per hour in adulthood and up to 20 mm in old age. Do not do without this indicator and in the diagnosis of children. 2-12 mm per hour - this should be the case with children in the ROE in blood. The norm for newborns is usually many times less, it is 0-2 mm per hour. But do not panic if such an indicator is slightly increased. In children, ESR often fluctuates. The main value in the evaluation of a blood test is the ratio of this indicator to the total number of red blood cells, lymphocytes.
Norm increase
Increased ROHE in the blood is usually observed in inflammatory diseases caused by fungi or viruses. The thing is that when “opponents” enter the body, “defenders” immediately begin to appear - globulins (large protein particles). The stronger the inflammatory process, the more such antibodies, therefore, the ratio of proteins in plasma is greater. That is why with tonsillitis, pneumonia, tuberculosis, arthritis, syphilis, etc. the reaction is always increased. Another reason for the increase in the indicator is the appearance of diseases that provoke an increase in red blood cells. It can be erythremia or erythrocythemia. In addition, an increase in the norm of the indicator can occur with such diseases:
- anemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- tumors;
- sepsis;
- leukemia;
- autoimmune ailments.
Also, an increase in ESR is possible with intoxications, frequent blood transfusions, with diseases of the endocrine system, during pregnancy and during menstruation, after taking certain medications (for example, after the preparation "Aspirin").
Lower ROE
There are situations when ROE in the blood decreases. The norm is violated downward in the event of:
- increase in blood viscosity ;
- pregnancy
- changes in the shape of red blood cells;
- lowering blood pH;
- detect more bile pigments;
- the use of certain drugs that lower the rate (drugs made on the basis of mercury).
ROE, in conjunction with other important indicators of a blood test, helps the doctor quickly enough, if you do not establish a diagnosis, then at least suspect a particular disease, and then either prescribe an adequate treatment or refer the patient for additional diagnosis.