Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), commonly referred to as sed rate, is a blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle at the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample. It indirectly measures how much inflammation is in the body. The sed rate test is often used to monitor conditions like arthritis or to help diagnose inflammatory diseases. A high sed rate can indicate the presence of inflammation somewhere in the body, but it doesn't specify the cause or location of that inflammation.
Inflammation is a natural response of the body's immune system, but chronic or excessive inflammation can be a sign of a more serious underlying condition. The sed rate is an essential tool for doctors to assess the level of inflammation and monitor the effectiveness of treatments. However, a high sed rate is not a diagnosis in itself but rather an indicator that further testing or evaluation is needed.
What Does a High Sed Rate Mean?
A high sed rate indicates that there is inflammation present in the body. The level of elevation can give some indication of the severity of the inflammation. For instance, a sed rate of 10-20 mm/hr might be considered mildly elevated, while a sed rate above 50 mm/hr could indicate a more severe inflammatory process. However, the interpretation of sed rate results must be done in the context of other diagnostic tests and clinical evaluation.
It's essential to understand that a high sed rate can be associated with a wide range of conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, cancers, and inflammatory diseases. The sed rate can also be influenced by other factors, such as age, sex, and certain medications. For example, women tend to have higher sed rates than men, and sed rates can increase with age.
Common Causes of Elevated Sed Rate
Several conditions can cause an elevated sed rate. Some of the most common causes include:
- Inflammatory diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and vasculitis
- Infections, like pneumonia, osteomyelitis, or sepsis
- Cancers, including lymphoma, multiple myeloma, and certain types of leukemia
- Autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren's syndrome and scleroderma
- Other conditions, like giant cell arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and inflammatory bowel disease
Key Points
- A high sed rate indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.
- The sed rate test is used to monitor conditions like arthritis and diagnose inflammatory diseases.
- A high sed rate can be associated with various conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, cancers, and inflammatory diseases.
- The interpretation of sed rate results must be done in the context of other diagnostic tests and clinical evaluation.
- Further testing or evaluation is usually needed to determine the cause of a high sed rate.
What to Expect When Your Doctor Orders a Sed Rate Test
When your doctor orders a sed rate test, you can expect a simple blood draw. The test itself does not require any special preparation, but you may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test. The blood sample is then placed in a tall, thin tube and left to sit for a specified period, usually an hour. The distance that the red blood cells have settled is measured in millimeters (mm) and reported as the sed rate.
Interpreting Sed Rate Results
Sed rate results can vary depending on age, sex, and other factors. Generally, a sed rate of:
| Category | Sed Rate (mm/hr) |
|---|---|
| Normal | 0-15 |
| Mildly Elevated | 16-25 |
| Moderately Elevated | 26-50 |
| Highly Elevated | >50 |
It's crucial to discuss your sed rate results with your doctor to understand what they mean in the context of your overall health.
Next Steps After Receiving a High Sed Rate Result
If you receive a high sed rate result, your doctor will likely recommend further testing or evaluation to determine the cause of the inflammation. This may include additional blood tests, imaging studies, or a biopsy, depending on your specific situation.
It's essential to work closely with your doctor to understand the results of your sed rate test and any subsequent tests. By doing so, you can get a clear picture of your health and develop an effective treatment plan to address any underlying conditions.
What does a high sed rate indicate?
+A high sed rate indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. However, it does not specify the cause or location of that inflammation.
What are the common causes of an elevated sed rate?
+Common causes of an elevated sed rate include inflammatory diseases, infections, cancers, autoimmune disorders, and other conditions.
What should I expect when my doctor orders a sed rate test?
+You can expect a simple blood draw. The test itself does not require any special preparation, but you may be asked to fast for a certain period before the test.