ESR by Westergren - what is it?

To date, the method of measuring ESR by Westergren is a reference method. This technique was first applied in 1926 and is widely used in modern medicine in the process of diagnosing certain diseases, in particular for the detection of a hidden inflammatory process.

What is the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation (ESR)?

In modern medical practice, the method of measuring the rate of erythrocyte sedimentation in a vertical tube is the simplest and most accessible diagnostic method. Such a blood test helps to determine the presence of inflammation, but it should be noted that this indicator is nonspecific and can vary depending on the influence of certain factors.

The sedimentation of red blood cells takes place in three stages. First, the red blood cells descend to the bottom of the tube slowly and separately from each other. In the second stage, the red blood cells aggregate and form the so-called "coin pillars" - now they settle much faster. At the final stage, a large number of aggregates are formed - first, their subsidence slows down, and then it stops altogether.

Thus, in the test tube, two layers are formed - aggregated red blood cells are located at the bottom, and plasma with leukocytes is collected in the upper part. The ESR of Westergren can be estimated by measuring the height of the transparent plasma layer formed from above. This is measured in mm / h.

How is ESR done in Westergren?

As already mentioned, this technique is available and easy to conduct. To begin with, you need to dial into a special cylindrical tube of 0.5 ml of sodium citrate (this substance acts as an anticoagulant) and 2 ml of venous blood. Now the filled tube is placed vertically in a tripod and left for an hour. After the allotted time, it is necessary to measure the height of the formed plasma layer.

ESR for Westergren: which indicators are considered normal?

In fact, the rate of sedimentation of red blood cells directly depends on the age and sex of the patient. For example, the blood of newborns is characterized by a low content of globulin proteins, so the sedimentation rate is slow and is about 2 mm per hour. By the age of two, this figure is increased to 4-17 mm.

In men and boys older than 10 years, the ESR varies between 2 and 10 mm. In women, the figure is higher - 2-15 mm per hour. If we talk about the results of a study of the blood of elderly people, the ESR in women is 2-53 mm, and in the case of representatives of the stronger sex, 2-38 mm / hour.

Why is the index of ESR by Westergren elevated?

The increase in sedimentation rate of red blood cells is usually associated with an increase in the blood protein molecules, in particular fibrinogen, paraproteins and certain groups of globulins. Accordingly, any disease that causes such changes in blood composition can cause changes in ESR. Most often, this is due to the activity of the infection or the development of the inflammatory process. To the causes can be attributed the formation of malignant structures, anemia, poisoning with some toxins. ESR increases with pneumonia, heart attacks, liver and kidney diseases, bone injuries, diabetes and some other diseases of the endocrine system.

ESR by Westergren lowered: the causes

As a rule, the decrease in speed is associated with thickening of the blood, as well as some other disorders. In particular, this phenomenon is often observed in patients with spherocytosis, polycythemia and sickle-cell anemia. To the causes include long-term fasting, a sharp decrease in muscle mass, and circulatory insufficiency. The rate of subsidence may be affected by the use of steroid drugs.