ESR blood test

The analysis of blood ESR at least once did every person. What is the importance of this analysis? ESR is an abbreviation for the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation, which is an indicator of the rate of separation in a test tube of blood with an anticoagulant added to it. This division occurs on two layers: a transparent plasma (top layer) and settled red blood cells (the lower layer). The ESR is assessed by the height of the plasma layer formed in 1 hour and measured in millimeters (mm). Erythrocytes have a specific mass that is much higher than the mass of the plasma, which is why under the influence of anticoagulant in a test tube (sodium citrate) heavier erythrocytes settle on its bottom under the influence of gravity . The process of erythrocyte sedimentation is divided into three phases, occurring at different rates. First of all, red blood cells slowly settle in the form of separate cells. Then, aggregates (coin pillars) are formed. This process is much faster than the first phase. During the third phase, a large number of aggregates are formed. Settling them at first slows down, and soon ceases altogether.

A general analysis of blood ESR shows the change in the index of ESR, depending on various pathological and physiological factors. Normally, the ESR values in men are slightly lower than in women. The change in the protein composition of the mass of blood in pregnant women leads to an increase in this indicator. Reduction of the number of erythrocytes (in case of anemia) leads to an acceleration of blood coagulability, and an increase in their content, on the contrary, slows the rate of sedimentation. At pregnancy within day the analysis of blood of an ESR shows insignificant fluctuations. The maximum level of this indicator is observed in the afternoon.

The main factor affecting the formation of aggregates during the sedimentation of erythrocytes is the protein composition of the blood plasma. Adsorbed on erythrocytes, acute-phase proteins reduce their charge and ability to repel each other. This facilitates the formation of aggregates and accelerates the accumulation of red blood cells. In acute inflammations and infections, the increase in proteins in the acute phase leads to an increase in blood coagulation. These changes in sedimentation rate are noted 24 hours after the increase in body temperature and the increase in the number of leukocytes. During chronic inflammations, the increase in ESR is caused by an increase in the concentration of immunoglobulins and fibrinogen. Determination of the rate of blood coagulation in dynamics, along with other tests, are used in determining the effectiveness of therapeutic treatment of various diseases.

The analysis of blood ESR has such indications for the purpose: infections, tumors, inflammatory diseases, screening studies in case of medical examinations. This analysis is performed on the basis of venous blood taken from a patient on an empty stomach.

The analysis of blood ESR is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation. With his help, negative processes that occur in the body are revealed.

Blood test for ESR norm (in mm / h):

- Men - up to 12;

- Women - up to 15.

Acceleration of ESR can be physiological: old age, pregnancy, postpartum period and pathological: intoxication, inflammation, acute and chronic osteomyelitis infections , pneumonia, syphilis, tuberculosis), collagenoses (autoimmune diseases), bone fractures, trauma, myocardial infarction, anemia, Kidney diseases (nephritis, nephrotic syndrome), surgical interventions, shock conditions, malignant tumors, medication (glucocorticoids, estrogens), paraproteinemia, hyperfibrinogenemia.

Deceleration of ESR can be caused by starvation, a decrease in muscle mass, 1-2 trimesters of pregnancy, a vegetarian diet, corticosteroids, midsystrophy, hyperhydration.