The sedimentation rate (ESV) is part of the routine examinations carried out during a blood test and makes it possible to evoke the presence of inflammatory or infectious pathologies. When to worry about an abnormal rate of sedimentation rate?
Definition: what is sedimentation rate?
The sedimentation rate corresponds to the speed necessary for red blood cells, or red blood cells, to sediment and settle at the bottom of a test tube. In practice, the blood is rendered incoagulable and placed in a test tube. We then observe the speed at which the red blood cells fall and settle in the bottom of the tube.
What are the normal sedimentation rate values?
The sedimentation rate is expressed in height of sedimented cells: the measurement is made after one hour and two hours. It is carried out in millimeters of deposit.
► For womenthe sedimentation rate at the first hour must be between 4 mm and 8 mm. sedimentation rate at the 2nd hour must be less than 20 mm. The sedimentation rate increases physiologically with age and during pregnancy.
► In humansthe normal sedimentation rate, in the first hour, should be between 3 mm and 6 mm.
What are the causes of a high sedimentation rate?
It is advisable to come outside the rules and on an empty stomach for the dosage
An increase in sedimentation rate is not specific to any particular disease. The sedimentation rate is increased and accelerated in several diseases as
- THE bacterial infections,
- parasitosis,
- anemia,
- obesity,
- hypercholesterolemia,
- hypertriglyceridemia,
- inflammatory diseases,
- hypergammaglobulinemia,
- kidney failure,
- heart failure,
- nephrotic syndrome
Anti-inflammatory drugs can increase sedimentation rate. Cancerous diseases are often accompanied by an increase in sedimentation rate.
What are the causes of a low sedimentation rate?
It is much rarer to encounter a drop in the sedimentation rate. The causes of a decrease in sedimentation rate include a polycythemia (too many red blood cells), a cryoglobulinemia, hyperleukocytosis (too many white blood cells), blood hyperviscosity, hemolytic anemia or hemoglobinopathies.
When to worry about an abnormal rate of sedimentation rate?
The sedimentation rate is classically calculated during routine assessment and it is not uncommon to find it fortuitously increased without any symptoms being present. Careful questioning and clinical examination are necessary, as well as other complementary examinations. If no cause is found, a check-up a few weeks later is useful to reassure themselves or see if a pathology has evolved in the meantime. A simple temporary infection may cause an increase in sedimentation rate and this should not cause concern when isolated. A simple check can quickly reassure her. It is advisable to come outside of menstruation and on an empty stomach for the dosage sedimentation rate.