The erythrocyte sedimentation rate test is used to assess inflammatory or infectious conditions in the body. This procedure is done by taking a number of blood samples and examined in a laboratory.
The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is one part of a hematology test or blood test to measure how long it takes red blood cells to clot or settle to the bottom of a glass test tube. This test is usually done in conjunction with other tests to diagnose any inflammation or infection that you may have.
Conditions that require a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test
You may need a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test if you have symptoms of inflammation, such as:
- Fever
- Joint pain or stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes in the morning
- Pain in the shoulder, neck, or pelvis
- Headaches, especially those associated with pain in the shoulder
- Loss of appetite
- Rapid and drastic weight loss
In addition, other conditions that may make you need to do a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test are digestive disorders, such as diarrhea, bloody stools, or unusual and persistent abdominal pain.
By performing a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, doctors can be assisted in diagnosing various diseases, such as infectious diseases, inflammation, cancer, and autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
Procedures Performed on the Sedimentation Rate Test
In conducting the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, the doctor will take a blood sample which is then stored in a special container. The blood sample will then be taken to the laboratory.
The clinical pathologist will place a portion of your blood sample into a test tube, then measure how high a red blood cell deposit is formed within 1 hour. Some of the other blood will be used for other tests, such as a complete blood count or blood sugar.
When you have inflammation in your body, your blood will contain a protein that makes red blood cells easy to clot. This clumping will make the red blood cells settle and fall to the bottom. now, the faster the blood cells settle, the higher the possibility of inflammation in the body.
As for re-confirming inflammation and possible disease, doctors will usually also recommend other tests, such as: C-reactive protein (CRP) and blood viscosity tests.
Conditions That Can Affect the Rate of Sedimentation
There are several special conditions that may affect the rate at which red blood cells settle, which can reduce the accuracy of the test results, including:
- Elderly
- History of high cholesterol
- Pregnancy or menstruating
- Obesity
- History of kidney disorders
Consumption of certain drugs, such as drugs for breathing such as theophylline, nerve drugs such as methyldopa, birth control pills, aspirin, and corticosteroid class of inflammatory drugs in the long term can also affect the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation.
So if you have any of the conditions above, talk to your doctor before taking a blood sedimentation rate test.
That's the information and procedures regarding the erythrocyte sedimentation rate test that you need to know. Keep in mind that not all conditions require this check. To find out whether or not you need to do a erythrocyte sedimentation rate test, you need to consult a doctor.
Requests for erythrocyte sedimentation rate tests should be made on the recommendation of a doctor and under the supervision of a doctor. In addition, you also need to consult again about the test results that came out in order to know the interpretation of the test results and what treatment is needed.