What is Blood Sedimentation?

If you’ve bumped yourself, you’ll get a bruise. Who has cut himself, must care for the open wound. But what if the cause of a condition is unknown? In most cases, the doctor will draw blood and examine it. Blood sedimentation and blood count are the most important examinations that provide the doctor with information about certain processes in the body and ultimately enable an exact diagnosis. Because – according to medical wisdom – before therapy, the good Lord has put the diagnosis.

Increased blood sedimentation as first indication

The blood sedimentation gives a first orientation. A blood sedimentation does not yet lead to a definitive diagnosis, but it shows whether further investigations are necessary. This involves measuring the rate at which the blood cells sink. In inflammatory processes in the body, blood sedimentation is increased, as doctors say.

The blood count

The blood count already tells much more about a person’s health. For example, an increased number of white blood cells (leukocytes) indicates inflammation in the body caused by bacteria or fungi. Red blood cells (erythrocytes) can indicate anemia, depending on the number and content of blood pigment (hemoglobin). Finally, the platelets (thrombocytes) are responsible for blood clotting. If their numbers are low, further tests are needed to find out the cause.