ESR - what is it? You will find a comprehensive answer to the question in the materials of the presented article. We will tell you about what is the norm of this indicator in human blood, why it is determined, what diseases are observed, and so on.
General indicator information and interpretation
Surely every patient who donated blood for analysis saw the abbreviation ESR in the results. The interpretation of the presented combination of letters is as follows: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
In medical practice, this term is called a laboratory non-specific blood indicator, which reflects the ratio of the fractions of plasma proteins .
Research Method History
ESR - what is it? How long has this indicator been taken into account when examining patient material? This phenomenon was known in ancient Greece, but it was not used in clinical practice until the twentieth century.
In 1918, it was discovered that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate varies significantly between pregnant women and ordinary people. Subsequently, scientists have identified the fact that this indicator varies under the influence of certain diseases. Thus, in the period from 1926 to 1935, several research methods were developed, which to this day are actively used in medical practice to determine the value of ESR.
Principle of research method
ESR - what is it, and how is this indicator determined? To determine the value of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the patient must be tested for blood. As a result of her research, laboratory staff determine the specific gravity of red bodies. If they exceed the specific gravity of the plasma, then the red blood cells begin to slowly settle to the bottom of the tube. This is how the speed and degree of aggregation (the ability to stick together) of red blood cells is determined.
Chemical reasons for increasing and decreasing erythrocyte sedimentation rate
The ESR indicator directly depends on the degree of red blood cell aggregation. At the same time, it increases if the concentration in the plasma of acute phase proteins or markers of the inflammatory process increases. And, on the contrary, the ESR value decreases if the amount of albumin increases.
ESR analysis: indicator rate
As mentioned above, in order to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, the patient needs to donate blood for analysis. After the material enters the laboratory, it undergoes a thorough study. Specialists observe the process of erythrocyte sedimentation under the influence of gravity, depriving the blood of any possibility of coagulation.
So, what should be a normal ESR? The sedimentation rate of red blood cells in healthy women is 2-15 mm per hour. As for the representatives of the stronger sex, this value is slightly lower and equals 1-10 mm per hour.
ESR: indicator level
In medical practice, deviations from the norm are usually distinguished by degrees:
- The 1st degree includes indicators that differ by several units from the established ones. After deciphering the analyzes, it is determined that the red bodies in the blood are at an acceptable level.
- The 2nd degree includes those patients whose erythrocyte sedimentation rate exceeds 15-30 units. This fact indicates inflammation in the body (for example, with colds or infections, which can be eliminated in less than 30 days). Throughout this period, it is recommended to monitor the value of ESR.
- Grade 3 includes indicators that exceed the norm by 30-60 units. In this case, you should seriously think about your health. After all, such values indicate the presence of inflammatory reactions or intoxication of the body, which occur due to a progressive malignant tumor or tissue breakdown.
- To the 4th degree include an increase in ESR by more than 60 units. Such a deviation cannot pass without a trace. As a rule, the patient is aware of the presence of the disease, since there are obvious purulent-septic reactions in his body.
Possible causes of abnormalities
Now you know the information on ESR - what is it. Most often, an increase in this indicator is associated with chronic or acute infection, heart attacks of internal organs, as well as immunopathological diseases.
Despite the fact that inflammatory reactions in the body are the most common reasons for the acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation, this deviation can be caused by other, not always pathological, phenomena.
A significant increase in ESR is observed with malignant neoplasms, a decrease in the total number of red blood cells, during pregnancy, as well as during treatment with any medications (for example, salicylates).
A moderate increase in ESR (approximately 20-30 mm per hour) can occur with hypoproteinemia, anemia, pregnancy, as well as in women during menstruation.
Diseases with increased or decreased ESR
A sharp and significant increase in the sedimentation rate of red bodies (more than 60 mm per hour) is accompanied by conditions such as autoimmune diseases, septic process and malignant tumors characterized by tissue breakdown.
A reduced value of this indicator is possible with changes in the form of red blood cells, hyperproteinemia, leukocytosis, erythrocytosis, as well as hepatitis and DIC.
Why is it important to conduct a blood test for ESR?
Despite the non-specificity of ESR determination, this study is still the most popular and important laboratory test. Thanks to him, specialists can quickly establish the fact of the presence and intensity of the development of the inflammatory process.
Such a study of the patient’s blood often reveals a malignant neoplasm, which allows you to start eliminating it in time and save the patient’s life. That is why the determination of ESR is an extremely important research method, which is exposed to the blood of almost every person who has applied for help to a medical institution.