To date, the method of measuring ESR according to Westergren is the reference. This technique was first applied in 1926 and is widely used in modern medicine in the process of diagnosing certain diseases, in particular for detecting a latent inflammatory process.
What is erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)?
In modern medical practice, the method of measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate in a vertical tube is the simplest and most affordable diagnostic method. Such a blood test helps determine the presence of inflammation, but it should be noted that this indicator is nonspecific and may vary depending on the impact of certain factors.
The sedimentation of red blood cells is carried out in three stages. First, red blood cells sink to the bottom of the tube slowly and separately from each other. At the second stage, red blood cells aggregate with each other and form the so-called “coin columns” - now they settle much faster. At the final stage, a large number of aggregates are formed - at first their subsidence slows down, after which it ceases altogether.
Thus, two layers are formed in the test tube - aggregated red blood cells are located at the bottom, and plasma with white blood cells is collected in the upper part. ESR according to Westergren can be estimated by measuring the height of the transparent plasma layer formed above. This indicator is measured in mm / hour.
How is ESR performed according to Westergren?
As already mentioned, this technique is accessible and easy to carry out. First you need to draw 0.5 ml of sodium citrate into a special cylindrical tube (this substance acts as an anticoagulant) and 2 ml of venous blood. Now the filled tube is placed vertically in a tripod and left for an hour. After the allotted time, it is necessary to measure the height of the formed plasma layer.
ESR according to Westergren: what indicators are considered normal?
In fact, the sedimentation rate of red blood cells directly depends on the age and gender of the patient. For example, the blood of newborns is characterized by a low content of globulin proteins, so the sedimentation rate is slowed down and is about 2 mm per hour. By two years, this figure increases to 4-17 mm.
In men and boys over 10 years, ESR ranges from 2 to 10 mm. In women, the figure is higher - 2-15 mm per hour. If we talk about the results of a blood test of older people, then in women ESR ranges from 2 to 53 mm, and in the stronger sex - 2-38 mm / hour.
Why is Westergren ESR elevated?
An increase in the sedimentation rate of red blood cells is usually associated with an increase in the blood of protein molecules, in particular fibrinogen, paraproteins and some groups of globulins. Accordingly, any disease that causes such changes in the composition of the blood can cause a change in ESR. Most often, this happens due to the activity of the infection or the development of the inflammatory process. The causes include the formation of malignant structures, anemia, poisoning with some toxins. ESR increases with pneumonia, heart attacks, liver and kidney diseases, bone injuries, diabetes and some other diseases of the endocrine system.
ESR for Westergren lowered: reasons
As a rule, a decrease in speed is associated with blood clotting, as well as some other disorders. In particular, a similar phenomenon is often observed in patients with spherocytosis, polycythemia and sickle cell anemia. The reasons include prolonged fasting, a sharp decrease in muscle mass, circulatory failure. Steroid administration may also affect sedimentation rate.