Sed rate, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), is a blood test that can reveal inflammatory activity in your body. A sed rate test isn't a stand-alone diagnostic tool, but it can help your doctor diagnose or monitor the progress of an inflammatory disease.
What does it mean when you have a high sed rate?
A high sed rate is a sign you have a disease that causes inflammation in your body. Some conditions and medicines can affect the speed at which red blood cells fall, and they may affect your test results. These include: Anemia.
What diseases cause low sed rate?
Low values may be caused by:
- High blood sugar levels.
- Polycythemia.
- Sickle cell disease.
- Severe liver disease.