ESR - what is it?

ESR - what is it?A comprehensive response to a question you will find in the materials submitted article.We'll tell you about what the rate of this indicator in the blood, which he determined, at what diseases there, and so on.

General information about the index and transcript

Surely every patient, which blood tests seen in the results of ESR abbreviation.Explanation submitted by a combination of letters is as follows: erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

In clinical practice, this term refers to a non-specific indicator of a laboratory blood test that reflects the ratio of plasma protein fractions.

history research method

ESR - what is it?How long this index is taken into account in the study of the material of the patient?This phenomenon was known in ancient Greece, but it has not been applied in clinical practice until the twentieth century.

In 1918, it was found that the erythrocyte sedimentation rate varies significantly among pregnant women and ordinary people.Subsequently, scientists hav

e identified the fact that this figure is influenced by certain diseases.Thus, in the period from 1926 to 1935, it has developed several research methods, which are still widely used in clinical practice to determine the value of ESR.

principle research method

ESR - what is it, and how to determine this figure?In order to determine the value of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, patient needs a blood test.As a result of its research laboratory staff determine the specific gravity of red cells.If they exceed the specific weight of the plasma, the red cells begin to slowly settle to the bottom of the tube.That is what determines the rate and extent of aggregation (the ability to stick together) red blood cells.

chemical causes raising and lowering of erythrocyte sedimentation rate

index ESR depends on the degree of platelet aggregation.However, it is increased, when increasing the concentration of plasma proteins or acute phase markers of inflammation.Conversely, ESR value is lowered, if the increased amount of albumin.

analysis ESR: the rate indicator

As mentioned above, to determine the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, patient needs a blood test.After material enters the lab, it is subjected to thorough examination.Specialists monitor the process of erythrocyte sedimentation under gravity, denying any possibility of blood clotting.

So, what should be the normal rate ESR?Sedimentation rate of red blood cells in healthy women is 2-15 mm per hour.With regard to the strong sex, this value were somewhat lower and equals 1-10 mm per hour.

ESR level indicator

In medical practice deviations from the norm to distinguish between powers:

  • to 1st degree are indicators that a few units differ from those established.After deciphering analysis determined that the red corpuscles in the blood are at an acceptable level.
  • Co. 2nd degree are those patients whose erythrocyte sedimentation rate greater than 15-30 units.This fact indicates inflammation in the body (such as for colds or infections, which can get rid of less than 30 days).Throughout this period, it is recommended to monitor the value of ESR.
  • For 3rd degree are indicators that exceed the norm by 30-60 units.In this case, you should seriously think about their health.After all, these values ​​indicate the presence of inflammatory reactions or intoxication, which occur due to advanced cancer or tissue breakdown.
  • By grade 4 include increased erythrocyte sedimentation rate of more than 60 units.Such a deviation can not pass unnoticed.Typically, the patient is aware of the presence of disease, as in his body are obvious suppurative septic reaction.

Possible causes abnormalities

Now you know the information about the ESR - what it is.Most often, an increase in this indicator is due to chronic or acute infection, heart attacks internal organs, as well as immunological diseases.

Although inflammatory reactions in the body are the most common causes of acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation rate, this deviation may be due to other and not always pathological phenomena.

significant increase in sedimentation rate observed in malignant tumors, reducing the total number of red blood cells during pregnancy, and during treatment with any medications (eg, salicylates).

moderate rate increase ESR (about 20-30 mm per hour) can occur in hypoproteinemia, anemia, pregnancy, and in women during menstruation.

Diseases at high or low ESR

sharp and significant increase in the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells (more than 60 mm per hour) is accompanied by conditions such as autoimmune diseases, sepsis and malignant tumors characterized by disintegration of tissue.

lower value of this indicator is possible by changing the shape of red blood cells, hyperproteinemia leukocytosis, erythrocytosis, as well as hepatitis and DIC.

Why is it important to conduct research on blood sedimentation rate?

Despite the non-specificity determining ESR, this study is still the most popular and important laboratory tests.Thanks to him, specialists can quickly enough to establish the fact of the presence and intensity of the inflammatory process.

This study reveals the patient's blood is often a malignant neoplasm, which allows time to begin to eliminate it and save the life of the patient.That is why the definition of ESR is an extremely important method of research, which is exposed to the blood of almost every person who applied for help to the hospital.