Physiology of blood-suspension stability.

Question 1

What is ESR?

Answer 1

Erythrocyde sedimentation rate (mm/h) is a method for evaluating the suspension stability of blood. Measure the speed in which RBC settle to the bottom of a test tube.

Question 2

What can ESR tell us?

Answer 2

An alert of innflammation in progress, allergic reaction or an infectious disease. Also increase in case of anemia or higher fibrinogen/globulin levels.

Question 3

How is ESR performed?

Answer 3

In a sedimentation capillary filled with anticoagulant-treated (citrate) blood fixed in an upright position for 15,30 and 60 minutes.

Question 4

What is the principle in which ESR works?

Answer 4

RBC ensity is higher than plasma density and therefore the force of gravity causes sinking of blood elements to the bottom.

Question 5

What does the sedimentation speed indicate?

Answer 5

Suspension stability of blood, balanced by the electric charge on the plasma membran of erythrocytes an by plasmatic proteins.

Question 6

Which factors effect the ESR?

Answer 6

erythrocyte aggregation(vertical columns, roleaux) number, size, shape of erythrocytes.

Question 7

What increase the speed of sedimentation and how?

Answer 7

Increase in globulin/fibrinogen fractions by increased aggregation of erythrocytes –> indicate an immune defence process.

Question 8

Which animals have the highest and lowest ESR?

Answer 8

cow = 0-1 mm/h horse = 70 mm/h