Why Should I Get Tested?

This test can detect and monitor the activity of inflammation and the activity of the underlying causes.

What is this Test used for?

This test can be used to help diagnose conditions associated with acute and chronic inflammation, including infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases. The westergren sedimentation test is said to be nonspecific because increases do not tell you exactly where the inflammation is in your body or what is causing it. Also because it can be affected by other conditions besides inflammation.

This test can be helpful in diagnosing two specific inflammatory diseases, temporal arteritis and polymyalgia rheumatica. A high sedimentation rate is one of the main test results used to support the diagnosis. It is also used to monitor disease activity and response to therapy in both of these diseases.