Sed Rate by Modified Westergren

An increased sed rate (erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR) generally indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. This elevation is attributed to heightened inflammatory activity, as inflammation prompts red blood cells to aggregate and settle faster in the test tube.

What can cause an elevated sed rate?

Various conditions can contribute to this elevation, including infections, autoimmune disorders, certain cancers, cardiovascular diseases, and other inflammatory processes.

The sed rate is frequently utilized alongside other diagnostic tests to assess and monitor inflammatory conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and polymyalgia rheumatica.

Although a high sed rate signifies inflammation, it does not pinpoint the specific underlying cause. Additional testing is typically necessary to determine the root of the inflammation. In essence, an elevated sed rate serves as a nonspecific indicator of inflammation in the body, prompting healthcare providers to delve further into diagnostic investigations to identify the underlying condition.

The marker Sed Rate by Modified Westergren, also known as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) or sedimentation rate, is a common blood test used by doctors to measure inflammation in the body, which is the natural response to injury or infection, often involving the immune system.

This test specifically looks at how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube over the course of one hour. The faster the red blood cells settle, the higher the sed rate, indicating potential inflammation.