Indications of an Elevated Sedimentation Rate
When sedimentation rates are high in a human, which is evident when red blood cells or erythrocytes fall to the bottom of a test tube, it indicates an inflammation in the body. The more red blood cells that settle at the bottom of the test tube in an hour, the higher the sedimentation rate.
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Sedimentation
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Red blood cells stick together when there is inflammation in the body because of the proteins that result from the inflammation; the red blood cell bundles fall more quickly than individual cells. The proteins are the outcome of an abnormal situation in the body and are produced by the immune system and the liver. If a person is suffering from an autoimmune disease, infection or cancer, the sedimentation rate will be high.
Causes of High Rates
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High sedimentation rates can also be the result of pregnancy or toxemia during pregnancy, which is called preeclampsia. Viral infections, Grave's disease or inflammation of the thyroid gland and rheumatoid arthritis will increase sedimentation rates, as will appendicitis, pelvic inflammatory disease, chronic kidney disease, inflammatory bowel disease and pneumonia.
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Suspicion
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A doctor may order an erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ERS) test when she suspects there is a disease or a condition that is resulting in inflammation in the body.
Moderate vs. High
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When ERS is moderately high, this can indicate anemia, pregnancy, an infection or advanced age. When it is extremely high, it indicates a severe infection, according to the Lab Tests Online website. When the sedimentation rate lowers, this is a good sign that the patient is responding to treatment. If it keeps rising, this shows that the inflammation has worsened and the treatment is not working.
Drugs and Gender
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Certain drugs can increase sedimentation rates, such as vitamin A and oral contraceptives, while cortisone, aspirin and quinine can lower the rate. Women tend to have higher sedimentation rates than men, and the female rate of ESR can increase due to menstruation or pregnancy.
Other Tests Needed for Diagnosis
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Testing for sedimentation rates alone does not result in a diagnosis. Other tests and symptoms are considered before making a determination because some diseases do not increase sedimentation rates even though they result in inflammation. A normal sedimentation rate does not necessarily mean that you don't have a disease.
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References
- Photo Credit brightly colored science test tubes image by Steve Johnson from Fotolia.com
