SEDIMENTATION TEST Meaning and
Definition
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A sedimentation test, also known as a sedimentation rate test or ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) test, is a medical laboratory diagnostic procedure used to determine the presence of inflammation or infection in the body. The test measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle to the bottom of a vertical tube over a period of time. The sedimentation rate is typically expressed in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).
During an inflammation or infection, certain proteins, called acute-phase reactants, are released into the bloodstream. These proteins cause the red blood cells to clump together, increasing their density and causing them to settle faster. By measuring the rate at which the red blood cells settle, healthcare professionals can assess and monitor the extent and progression of the inflammatory response.
The sedimentation test is commonly used as a nonspecific indicator of various conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain types of cancer. It helps healthcare providers determine the presence and severity of these conditions, as well as gauge the effectiveness of ongoing treatments.
It is important to note that while increased sedimentation rates often indicate the presence of underlying health issues, they do not provide a specific diagnosis. Therefore, additional tests and examinations are usually required to establish a definitive diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
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(1) Agglutination test, Widal's test (in the case of typhoid fever); (2) the employment in gastric roentgenology of a non-suspended mixture of a contrast salt, such as barium or bismuth, in water; the salt sediments rapidly and can be spread over all parts of the stomach wall, thus giving information as to shape and movement of the organ, and also bringing into view lesions on the anterior or posterior wall invisible when the stomach is full.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEDIMENTATION TEST
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Etymology of SEDIMENTATION TEST
The word "sedimentation" originated from the Late Latin term "sedimentatio" which means "a settling" or "a deposit". It is derived from the Latin word "sedimentum", meaning something that settles or sinks. The suffix "-tion" in English forms a noun from a verb, hence the word "sedimentation" denotes the process or act of sedimenting.
The term "test" comes from the Old French word "teste" or "test" which means "a head". It was used in the context of examining or inspecting someone's mental or physical qualities, usually determined by specific trials or experiments. Over time, the meaning expanded to include the examination of material objects or systems.
Therefore, when combined, the term "sedimentation test" refers to a procedure or analysis that involves observing and measuring the settling or deposition of particles in a liquid or suspension.
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