A high sed rate blood test, also known as erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), can indicate the presence of inflammation in the body. This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample. Inflammation causes red blood cells to clump together, making them heavier and causing them to settle more quickly.
The sed rate test is a nonspecific test, meaning it does not diagnose a specific disease or condition. However, it can help healthcare providers identify the presence of inflammation, which can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or cancer.
Understanding Sed Rate Blood Test Results
A sed rate blood test result is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/h). A high sed rate result typically indicates the presence of inflammation. The normal range for sed rate varies depending on age, sex, and other factors, but generally, a sed rate of:
- 0-10 mm/h is considered normal for adults under 50 years old
- 0-15 mm/h is considered normal for adults over 50 years old
A high sed rate result can range from 11-100 mm/h or higher, depending on the individual and the underlying condition. For example, a sed rate of 20-30 mm/h may indicate a mild inflammatory condition, while a sed rate of 50-100 mm/h or higher may indicate a more severe inflammatory condition.
Causes of High Sed Rate Blood Test Results
There are several possible causes of a high sed rate blood test result, including:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Infections | Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections can cause inflammation and a high sed rate. |
| Autoimmune disorders | Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis can cause chronic inflammation and a high sed rate. |
| Cancer | Certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma, can cause inflammation and a high sed rate. |
| Inflammatory bowel disease | Conditions like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis can cause chronic inflammation and a high sed rate. |
Key Points
- A high sed rate blood test result indicates the presence of inflammation in the body.
- The sed rate test is a nonspecific test and does not diagnose a specific disease or condition.
- A high sed rate result can range from 11-100 mm/h or higher, depending on the individual and the underlying condition.
- Causes of a high sed rate result include infections, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
- A sed rate test is often used in conjunction with other diagnostic tests to help identify the underlying cause of inflammation.
What to Expect After a High Sed Rate Blood Test Result
If you have a high sed rate blood test result, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to help identify the underlying cause of the inflammation. This may include:
Imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRIs, to visualize internal organs and tissues
Blood tests to check for specific antibodies or inflammatory markers
Biopsies to examine tissue samples for signs of inflammation or cancer
Treatment for a high sed rate result will depend on the underlying cause of the inflammation. This may include antibiotics for infections, anti-inflammatory medications for autoimmune disorders, or chemotherapy for cancer.
Limitations and Considerations
While a sed rate blood test can provide valuable information, it is not a perfect test. There are several limitations and considerations to keep in mind:
A sed rate test is a nonspecific test and does not diagnose a specific disease or condition.
A high sed rate result can be caused by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and cancer.
A sed rate test may not detect mild or chronic inflammation.
What does a high sed rate blood test indicate?
+A high sed rate blood test indicates the presence of inflammation in the body, which can be a symptom of various underlying conditions, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or cancer.
What are the possible causes of a high sed rate result?
+The possible causes of a high sed rate result include infections, autoimmune disorders, cancer, and inflammatory bowel disease.
What should I expect after a high sed rate blood test result?
+If you have a high sed rate blood test result, your healthcare provider may recommend additional testing to help identify the underlying cause of the inflammation, and treatment will depend on the underlying cause.