ROE in the blood: norm, increase, underestimation
In the general analysis of blood, the last place is taken byESR (modern version - ROE). In the blood, the norm is determined to detect many diseases. This indicator gives an opportunity to suspect anemia, malignant neoplasms, hepatitis, immunopathology, etc.
ROE: what is this?
The reaction (or rate) of erythrocyte sedimentation isstands for the abbreviation ROE. The specific gravity of the red blood cells is larger than that of the plasma, therefore, under the influence of gravitational forces, the blood is distributed into layers. Lower, darker, should be saturated red, it collects red blood cells. The upper layer is more transparent and contains mainly plasma. To calculate the reaction, the time unit is taken into account, during which the subsidence (usually 1 hour) is carried out, as well as the length of the column (measured in mm). To obtain reliable data, it is better to take a blood test in the morning. ROE, the norm of which is exceeded, may indicate an increase in the specific weight of erythrocytes due to their rapid gluing. And this indicates a disease.
Norm of RoE
As doctors say, in women and mensignificantly differs ESR in the blood. The norm for males is 2-8 mm in one hour. With age, this indicator can vary, after 60 years it can reach 15 mm. For women, the norm is to increase the response to 15 mm per hour in adulthood and up to 20 mm in old age. Do not do without this indicator and when diagnosing children. 2-12 mm per hour - this should be the children's ROE in the blood. The norm for newborns is usually several times smaller, it is 0-2 mm per hour. But do not panic if such an indicator is slightly increased. In children, ESR often fluctuates. The main value in the evaluation of the blood test is the ratio of this indicator with the total number of erythrocytes, lymphocytes.
Raising the norm
Increased ESR in the blood is usually observed wheninflammatory diseases caused by fungi or viruses. The thing is that when you get into the body of "opponents" immediately begin to arise and "defenders" - globulins (large protein particles). The stronger the inflammatory process, the more such antibodies, therefore, the ratio of proteins in the plasma is greater. That is why with angina, pneumonia, tuberculosis, arthritis, syphilis, etc. the reaction is always increased. Another reason for the increase in the indicator is the appearance of diseases that provoke an increase in red blood cells. It can be erythremia or erythrocythemia. In addition, an increase in the norm of the indicator may occur in such diseases:
- anemia;
- myocardial infarction;
- tumors;
- sepsis;
- leukemia;
- autoimmune diseases.
Also, an increase in ESR is possible with intoxication,frequent blood transfusions, with endocrine system diseases, during pregnancy and during menstruation, after taking certain medications (for example, after the drug "Aspirin").
Decrease in ROE
There are situations when the ESR in the blood decreases. The norm is broken down in the following cases:
- increase in blood viscosity;
- pregnancy;
- changes in the shape of red blood cells;
- lowering the blood pH;
- detecting more bile pigments;
- use of some drugs that reduce the indicator (medicines made on the basis of mercury).
ROE in combination with other important indicatorsthe blood test helps a doctor quickly enough if not to establish a diagnosis, then at least to suspect a certain disease, and then either to prescribe an adequate treatment, or to send the patient for additional diagnosis.
