What is sed rate in the blood?

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a measure of the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube containing blood. It is a non-specific measure of inflammation and is used as a screening test for a variety of conditions, including infection, autoimmune disease, and cancer.

The ESR is measured by allowing a blood sample to stand in a vertical tube for one hour. The distance that the red blood cells have settled is then measured and reported in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).

A normal ESR for men is less than 15 mm/hr and for women is less than 20 mm/hr. However, the ESR can vary depending on age, sex, and ethnicity.

The ESR is a relatively inexpensive and simple test to perform, and it can provide valuable information about a person's health. However, it is important to note that the ESR is not a specific test for any one condition. If an elevated ESR is found, further testing is usually necessary to determine the cause.

Some of the conditions that can cause an elevated ESR include:

* Infection

* Autoimmune disease

* Cancer

* Kidney disease

* Liver disease

* Thyroid disease

* Anemia

* Pregnancy

An elevated ESR may also be seen in people who are taking certain medications, such as:

* Steroids

* Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

* Oral contraceptives

* Hormone replacement therapy

If you have an elevated ESR, it is important to see your doctor to determine the cause.