Sedimentationshastighetsmått

Sedimentationshastighetsmått, often abbreviated as ESR or SR, is a laboratory test that measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a blood sample over a specific period, typically one hour. This rate of settling is influenced by the presence of certain proteins in the blood, particularly fibrinogen and immunoglobulins, which tend to aggregate red blood cells. When red blood cells clump together, they become heavier and thus fall faster within the blood sample.

An elevated ESR is a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the body's response to injury, infection, or disease, and it often leads to an increase in the levels of acute-phase proteins in the blood. These proteins, in turn, promote the aggregation of red blood cells, resulting in a higher sedimentation rate. Therefore, an elevated ESR can suggest the presence of various inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases (like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus), certain cancers, or tissue damage.

Conversely, a normal or low ESR generally indicates the absence of significant inflammation. However, it is important to note that ESR is not a definitive diagnostic tool on its own. A normal ESR does not rule out an inflammatory condition, and an elevated ESR can be caused by factors other than inflammation, such as anemia or certain types of cancer. ESR is often used in conjunction with other clinical findings and laboratory tests to help diagnose and monitor inflammatory diseases. The interpretation of ESR results requires careful consideration of the patient's overall clinical picture.