What does it mean when your westergren sed rate is elevated?

An elevated Westergren sedimentation rate (sed rate) typically indicates the presence of inflammation in the body. This test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube; a faster rate often suggests inflammatory conditions, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, or chronic diseases. However, the sed rate is a nonspecific test, meaning it cannot pinpoint the exact cause of inflammation, so further investigation is usually necessary. It's important to discuss results with a healthcare provider for proper interpretation and next steps.