The Westergren blood test is used to detect general inflammation that is occurring within the body. It measures the erthrocyte sedimentation rate and is a simple, common test that is ordered. It’s also a non-specific test because it cannot pinpoint where inflammation is occurring. It will simply produce an elevated result and this will let the doctor know that there is soft-tissue swelling happening somewhere in the body.
The Westergren blood test can also be affected by other health conditions besides inflammation. It is not uncommon for a doctor to order multiple tests at the same time with this blood test to help determine if there is a specific cause behind the inflammation. In certain people, it can also be used to track disease treatment or progression.
When Will This Blood Test Be Ordered?
Because any inflammation can be discovered thanks to the Westergren blood test, it may be ordered by a doctor for a wide variety of issues. Anything from arthritis to inflammatory bowel disease will produce a positive or high result with this blood test.
Certain chronic conditions are also regularly checked with the Westergren blood test to make sure there isn’t a more seriously underlying condition causing the problem. This includes neck and shoulder pain, headaches, weight loss that is unexplained, stiffness in the joints, and pelvic pain.
Two tests are usually ordered if the first test comes back with a positive result. This is done to confirm the first results so that an extensive workup to find a diagnosis may be justified.
What Do High Blood Test Results Mean?
The laboratory will measure the Westergren blood test by taking a direct measurement of plasma that is present on top of a blood sample after one hour. Most people will have a normal result and no further action will be necessary. When there is a high result, however, then this gives the doctor a non-specific marker that there is inflammation within the body.
Women who are pregnant or are taking high doses of birth control may have high blood test results.
Most of the time, a series of additional tests will be required to follow-up with these results. When the results of the test are listed as “very high,” then this is an indication that there is a severe infection somewhere in the body. It may also be an indication that there is multiple myeloma present. Multiple myeloma will create very high results even when there is no inflammation present.
Another health issue that can cause very high results is the presence of a Waldenstrom’s macroglobulinemia. This is a tumor that will produce large amounts of immunoglobulins that mimic what happens when inflammation is present.
What Do Low Blood Test Results Mean?
The most common reason why a low Westergren blood test result may occur is because of the use of supplements or medication. Aspirin especially lowers results. Certain blood abnormalities, such as sickle cell disease or high red blood cell counts, also have the ability to create lower results than normal.
People who are suffering from chronic infections or inflammation may also have variable results from the blood test over time. Low results may be an indication that the inflammation has subsided temporarily and that the body is attempted to heal itself before the next cycle begins.
What You Need To Know About This Test
Not everyone needs to have the Westergren blood test completed. Because it is not specific, it will not point to a certain disease or condition. It cannot be used for screening purposes as those without symptoms may have high test results.
Because of this, if the test results fall outside of the normal range, additional tests will typically be ordered. This could include a complete blood count, a CRP blood test, or symptom specific tests that can check for antibodies or rheumatoid factor.
For most people, no test preparation will be needed before the blood draw is taken.
What is being measured is how fast the red blood cells will fall to the bottom of the blood sample when placed into a thin vertical tube. Acute inflammation affects results just as much as chronic inflammation will, so anything from a broken bone to the presence of cancer can create similar blood test results.
If you have questions about your specific blood test results, then be sure to make an appointment to speak to your doctor about your medical history. From the generic to the serious, the Westergren blood test is often just one piece of the diagnostic puzzle that is being put together. The results may be medically insignificant or they may be very significant. Only your doctor can discuss what they mean for you.