Laboratory Services

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Synonym(s)

ESR, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Sed Rate

Test ID
ESR
General Information

Evaluate the nonspecific activity of infections, inflammatory states, autoimmune disorders, and plasma cell dyscrasias

Specimen Type

Whole Blood

Specimen Requirements

Lavender

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Lavender - Invert tube 8 to 10 times immediately after collection

Minimum Sample Volume

1 mL

Stability

4 hours room temperature
24 hours refrigerated

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Hemolysis; clotted specimen; specimen drawn in any anticoagulant other than EDTA; specimen diluted or contaminated with IV fluid; tube not filled with minimum volume; improper labeling; transfer tubes with whole blood; specimen received with plasma removed.

Limitations

Optimum results are from blood less than two hours old. The ESR is of limited diagnostic value in severe anemia or in hematologic states that affect increased size and shape variation (poikilocytosis) of the RBC (ie, presence of sickle cells or spherocyte)

Methodology

Westergren

Estimated TAT

0-2 days

Testing Schedule

Monday-Saturday, & STAT

CPT Code(s)

85651

Reference Range

Male: 0 – 15 mm/h
>Age 50: 0 – 20 mm/h 

Female: 0 – 20mm/h
>Age 50: 0 – 30 mm/h

Reflex Conditions

None

Performing Lab

Incyte Diagnostics

LOINC Code(s)

4537-7