Test Description

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR or sed rate) is a relatively simple test that has been used to help detect inflammation associated with conditions such as infections, cancers, and autoimmune diseases.

When should this test be ordered?
An ESR may be ordered when a condition or disease is suspected of causing inflammation somewhere in the body. A health practitioner may order an ESR when an individual has symptoms that suggest polymyalgia rheumatica, systemic vasculitis, or temporal arteritis, such as headaches, neck or shoulder pain, pelvic pain, anemia, poor appetite, unexplained weight loss, and joint stiffness.
High Risk · Outside Reference Range
Male::
(0-4379) days : >= 11 (mm/hr)
(4380-6569) days : >= 16 (mm/hr)
(6570-18250) days : >= 16 (mm/hr)
(>= 18251) days : >= 21 (mm/hr)

Female::
(0-4379) days : >= 11 (mm/hr)
(4380-6569) days : >= 21 (mm/hr)
(6570-18250) days : >= 21 (mm/hr)
(>= 18251) days : >= 31 (mm/hr)

Since ESR is a non-specific marker of inflammation and is affected by other factors, the results must be used along with the individual's health history and other test results.
Borderline Risk · None
Not applicable for this test.
Low Risk · Within Reference Range
Reference range:

Male::
(0-4379) days : 0-10 (mm/hr)
(4380-6569) days : 0-15 (mm/hr)
(6570-18250) days : 0-15 (mm/hr)
(>= 18251) days : 0-20 (mm/hr)

Female::
(0-4379) days : 0-10 (mm/hr)
(4380-6569) days : 0-20 (mm/hr)
(6570-18250) days : 0-20 (mm/hr)
(>= 18251) days : 0-30 (mm/hr)
Testing Method Used
Sedimentation.

Sample is stable for 3 days at 2-8°C.

Please ship samples daily.
Improvements and Prevention
Specimen Type
ESR
Fasting Required
No
Drawing and Processing
  1. Draw from a vein into the ESR tube.
  2. Invert tube (do not shake) 1-2 times to mix adequately.
  3. DO NOT CENTRIFUGE.
  4. Keep cold in a refrigerator to maintain stability, until ready to ship.
Shipping Instructions
  1. Freeze ice packs 24 hours prior to use
  2. Place ice packs inside the Styrofoam insulated kit
  3. Place processed tubes inside biohazard bag, place inside kit
  4. Seal box, print airbill and adhere to box and wait for courier to pick up
Rejection Criteria
QNS; temperature out of range upon receipt; grossly hemolyzed or lipemic; wrong specimen type; sample stability exceeded for this analyte; unlabeled or mislabeled specimen.
References

1. Westergren A (1957). “Diagnostic tests: the erythrocyte sedimentation rate range and limitations of the technique”.

The information provided here is intended for educational purposes only and should not be used or substituted as medical advice. You should consult a healthcare practitioner regarding medical diagnosis or treatment.