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Sed Rate: What You Need To Know
Understanding and Interpreting Your Sed Rate Results
Understanding Sed Rate results involves knowledge of what this test measures. Sed Rate, short for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a blood test that monitors inflammation in the body. High levels often indicate an inflammatory process, like infection or autoimmune disease.
The result is a number indicating the millimeters of clear plasma present at the top of the tube after one hour (mm/hr). Typically, lower numbers suggest less inflammation. Normal ranges differ between men and women, and also change with age.
- For men under 50: up to 15 mm/hr
- For women under 50: up to 20 mm/hr
- For men over 50: up to 20 mm/hr
- For women over 50: up to 30 mm/hr
Interpreting these results requires caution. A high ESR can indicate many conditions and is often part of a larger diagnostic process. It is combined with other tests and symptoms for a comprehensive evaluation.
It is noted that low or normal ESR does not always coincide with the absence of illness; some individuals may present normal sed rates during periods of active inflammation. Thus, understanding Sed Rate requires consideration of the overall health condition and additional medical findings.
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Purpose and Expectations of a Sed Rate Test
A Sed Rate Test, or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test, serves to detect inflammation in the body. Inflammation is the immune system's response to illnesses or injuries. This test is often part of a general health exam, particularly when an inflammatory disease is suspected.
The procedure involves:
- Drawing blood from a vein into a tube.
- This tube is then left standing upright for an hour. During this period, red blood cells naturally settle at the bottom.
The rate at which these cells fall is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). A faster settling rate indicates higher sedimentation rates, which may suggest inflammation.
Expected values vary by age and sex:
- Males: 0 - 15 mm/hr
- Females: 0 - 20 mm/hr
It is noted that high sedimentation rates do not confirm any specific disease but indicate the possibility of ongoing inflammation in the body.
Conditions and Diseases Affecting the Sed Rate
The Sed Rate, or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube in one hour. A faster rate can indicate inflammation in the body.
Several conditions and diseases can influence the Sed Rate. They include:
- Infections, such as pneumonia or appendicitis
- Autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Cancers, particularly lymphoma and multiple myeloma
- High levels of fibrinogen — a protein that helps with clotting — also raise the Sed Rate.
An elevated Sed Rate is not specific to any one condition. Many situations might cause it to rise, such as pregnancy or anemia, which may not necessarily signal disease. The test is often used in conjunction with others to assist in diagnoses.
Additionally, age and gender affect the normal ranges for the Sed Rate. For men under 50, rates under 15 millimeters per hour are considered normal. Women under 50 should have rates below 20. For those over 50, the normal range for men is below 20, while for women, it is under 30.
In conclusion, the Sed Rate can be influenced by a variety of factors, including infections, autoimmune diseases, cancers, and even personal traits such as age and gender. Changes in the Sed Rate may indicate underlying health conditions.