eritrosedimentaatio

Eritrosedimentaatio, also known as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or Westergren sedimentation rate, is a common blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube containing a blood sample. This rate is determined over a period of one hour. When inflammation is present in the body, certain proteins, such as fibrinogen, increase in the blood. These proteins cause red blood cells to clump together, making them heavier and causing them to fall to the bottom of the tube more quickly.

A faster sedimentation rate generally indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. However, the ESR is not a specific test for any particular condition. It is considered a non-specific marker of inflammation. Elevated ESR levels can be seen in a wide range of conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, certain cancers, and inflammatory bowel disease. Conversely, a normal ESR does not rule out the presence of inflammation. Factors such as anemia, the size and shape of red blood cells, and certain medications can also affect ESR results. Therefore, ESR results are typically interpreted in conjunction with a patient's medical history, physical examination, and other laboratory tests.