QUESTION: When I spoke to my doctor about some recent blood tests, he told me that my "sed" rate was just a bit high.
What is a sed rate, and what am I going to have to do to make it lower? I am very concerned.
ANSWER: The term "sed rate" is an abbreviation of the name of a blood test involving red cells called the "erythrocyte sedimentation rate" (also known as ESR).
If a sample of blood is allowed to stand in a test tube, the red blood cells will gradually sink to the bottom of the tube, creating a clear layer of yellowish plasma at the top.
Depending upon the method used to perform the test, this clear layer will measure from 0-20 mm/hour in women.
When the cells descend at a faster rate, producing a larger clear layer, the "sed" rate is higher.
It is a sign that there is an inflammation going on somewhere in the body, and may require additional tests to locate just where that process is going on.
Usually when the situation is cared for and corrected, the sed rate returns to normal.
The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace the counsel and advice of your personal physician.
Promptly consulting your doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical problem.
