Ask the Nurse

What causes sediment rate to rise? Mine is 44.


Sediment rate or Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is an acute phase reactant and is associated with inflammation and tissue injury which can be acute or chronic inflammatory state. An elevated ESR can be associated with a wide variety of disorders such as

  • infection
  • trauma
  • infarction
  • various neoplasm

This is not a stand-alone diagnostic test, but may be used by your physician to assist in making a diagnosis or to monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease. I would strongly encourage you to further discuss your test results with your physician.

All My Best,
Speaking of Women's Health Nurse

December 7, 2012 at 1:50pm