Sedimentation is a type of blood test used to diagnose and monitor inflammation and various health problems in the body. In medical terms, it is called "Sedimentation Rate". This test helps assess various health conditions by measuring the rate at which blood settles over a certain period of time. It is also referred to as SED or ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) for short.
Thesedimentation test measures when red blood cells (erythrocytes) are deposited in a special tube, in response to which they settle upwards over time. This process means that the plasma (the liquid part of the blood) quickly moves upwards and separates.
When is a sedimentation test ordered?
The sedimentation test is used to diagnose and monitor various health problems. Here are some examples of when the test may be ordered:
Evaluation of Rheumatologic Diseases: It is used in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of rheumatologic diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Detection of Infections: Used to assess the presence or severity of infections in the body.
Monitoring Inflammation and Autoimmune Diseases: It can be used to monitor autoimmune diseases such as lupus and assess the severity of inflammation.
Assessment of Cancer Conditions: It can be a helpful indicator in the diagnosis and treatment follow-up of some types of cancer.
Monitoring Conditions such as Temporal Arteritis: Vascular inflammation, such as temporal arteritis, can cause an increase in sedimentation rate. Therefore, it can be used in monitoring such conditions.
Monitoring Other Inflammatory Conditions: Inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis may cause an increase in the rate.
Monitoring Gout: Gout is a condition caused by the accumulation of uric acid in the body.
Assessing Immune System Problems: Immune system diseases can cause an increase in the rate. This test can be used to diagnose and monitor these diseases.
Apart from these situations, the sedimentation test can generally be used in cases where inflammation or inflammation in the body needs to be determined. However, sedimentation test results should always be considered in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings. It is therefore important to follow your doctor's advice on when a sedimentation test should be ordered.
What should the sedimentation value be?
Thesedimentation value can vary depending on age, gender and other factors. In general, the accepted normal sedimentation rate reference range for adults is between 0 and 20 mm/hour. This range is usually the reference range set by the laboratory. However, certain health conditions or personal factors may affect the value. For example, pregnancy, old age or the use of certain medications. Interpretation of the results requires evaluation in combination with other clinical findings and the patient's general health status.
What is elevated sedimentation?
Elevated sedimentation is a condition that occurs when the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test shows a higher than normal value. The ESR test measures the rate at which erythrocytes (red blood cells) in the blood sediment over a period of time. This test can help to assess the presence or severity of inflammatory or degenerative processes occurring in the body.
Elevated ESR can often occur as a result of the following conditions
Infections: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections can cause inflammatory processes in the body, leading to an elevated ESR.
Inflammatory Diseases: Inflammatory immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, temporal arteritis can be associated with elevated ESR.
Tissue Damage and Injuries: Conditions where tissues are damaged, burns, fractures or other factors that damage tissues can cause elevated ESR.
Cancer: Some types of cancer can trigger inflammatory processes in the body and lead to high ESR.
Thyroid Problems: Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism) or certain thyroid inflammations can also be associated with high ESR.
Immunologic Conditions: Some conditions related to the immune system can lead to high ESR.
An elevated ESR can be a symptom indicating the presence of a health problem, but it is not enough on its own to make a specific diagnosis. A person with a high ESR result should consult a doctor to understand the cause of the condition with further tests and examinations.
How is elevated sedimentation treated?
Elevated sedimentation occurs as a symptom or test result and is not a condition that needs to be treated. It is usually a sign that indicates the presence or severity of inflammatory or degenerative processes in the body. Therefore, elevated sedimentation is relevant to the diagnosis and management of the underlying health problem that requires treatment.
If a disease or health problem is identified as the cause of elevated sedimentation, the treatment plan will usually address this underlying cause. For example:
Infections: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections are treated with specific antibiotics or antifungal medications.
Inflammatory Diseases: Inflammatory immune system diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus.
Cancer: Depending on the type and stage, cancer treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy or targeted therapy.
Tissue Damage and Injuries: Treatment of damaged tissues can vary depending on the type. Surgery, rehabilitation or other methods may be required.
Thyroid Problems: Treatment for hyperactivity or inflammation of the thyroid gland,
The treatment approach may vary depending on the underlying health problem, the patient's health status and other factors. The important thing is to identify the underlying cause and create a treatment plan accordingly.