ESR in the blood

ESR in the blood (the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation) is called the rate at which the blood splits with the added anticoagulant in a test tube into two layers: the lower (settled red blood cells) and the upper (plasma). In this case, the height of the plasma layer formed in millimeters is estimated in one hour. In erythrocytes, the specific gravity is higher than that of plasma, so in the presence of sodium citrate (anticoagulant) they settle to the bottom under the influence of gravity.

What is ESR in the blood? The process of sedimentation (subsidence) specialists are divided into three phases, occurring at different rates. First, the erythrocytes slowly fall to the bottom by individual cells. In the next stage, "coins" (aggregates) are formed, and the ESR in the blood increases. The last phase is characterized by the formation of a large number of aggregates of erythrocytes. Their fall slows down, and then stops.

The indicator of ESR in the blood can change under the influence of various pathological and physiological factors. In women, as medical practice shows, the values are slightly higher than the male rates.

During pregnancy, the increase in ESR in the blood is due to a change in the protein composition of erythrocytes. Reducing their concentration (anemia) helps to accelerate sedimentation, increasing their content, on the contrary, slows down the process. During the day, the fluctuation of the indicators is likely. The highest level is typical for daytime.

The protein composition in the blood plasma is the main factor influencing the formation of the "coin pillars" factor. Under the influence of acute phase proteins there is a decrease in the charge of red blood cells and their repulsion from each other. Thus, there is the formation of "coins" and accelerated sedimentation.

The increase in acute phase proteins, for example, haptoglobin, C-reactive protein, alpha-1-antitrypsin, against the background of acute inflammatory processes provokes an increase in ESR. In addition, with acute inflammation and infection, a change in the sedimentation index is observed 24 hours after an increase in the concentration of leukocytes and a rise in temperature. Against the background of chronic inflammation, the acceleration of subsidence is caused by a large number of immunoglobulins and fibrinogen.

Measurement of the index of ESR is considered as a screening test, which has no specificity for any particular pathology. This type of study, as a rule, is used in the complex of OAK (general blood test).

Indications for the purpose of the study are inflammatory processes, tumors, infections, as well as screening tests against the background of preventive examinations.

Blood sampling is performed on an empty stomach.

The increase in the physiological ESR index is observed in the elderly, in pregnant women, after childbirth, and during menstruation.

Pathological acceleration of subsidence is detected with intoxication, inflammation, chronic and acute infections (tuberculosis, osteomyelitis, syphilis, pneumonia). Elevated indices are also observed with myocardial infarction, autoimmune diseases, fractures, bone injuries, after operations, in shock, in anemia, and in the treatment of certain medications. Acceleration of sedimentation can indicate kidney disease, hyperfibrinogenemia. There is an increased ESR in oncology. However, according to many experts, the indicator directly with a malignant neoplasm is not connected.

Deceleration of ESR is observed with a decrease in muscle mass, fasting, during the intake of corticosteroids, in the first and second trimesters of pregnancy, with myodystrophy, hyperhydration, and with a vegetarian diet.