ROE in the blood: norm, increase, underestimation

In the general analysis of blood is not the last place takes ESR (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 is the abbreviation of the ESR. 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 note, in women and men, the ESR in blood differs significantly. The norm for males is 2-8 mm for one hour. With age, this indicator can vary, after 60 years it can reach 15 mm. For women, the norm is to increase the reaction to 15 mm per hour at adulthood and 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 this 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 to the total number of erythrocytes, lymphocytes.

Increase of norm

Elevated ROE in the blood is usually observed in inflammatory diseases caused by fungi or viruses. The thing is that when you get into the body of "opponents" immediately begin to emerge 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 rate 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 conjunction with other important indicators of blood testing, helps a doctor quickly enough if not to establish a diagnosis, then at least to suspect a disease, and then either prescribe an adequate treatment, or send the patient for additional diagnosis.