Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Additional Information:

Aliases

  • Sedimentation rate
  • Sed rate
  • Westergren sedimentation rate
  • ESR

UFHPL Epic order code: LAB547

CPT Code(s):

85651

Specimen Requirements:

Type: Whole blood

Container/Tube: Lavender (EDTA) or Pink (K2EDTA)

Sample Volume: 1.5 mL

Storage:

  • Ambient: 8 hours
  • Refrigerated: 12 hours
Unacceptable Conditions:

  • Clotted or grossly hemolyzed specimens
  • Frozen specimens
Specimen Retention Time: 5 days

Use:

This test is used to detect inflammation associated with infections, cancers and autoimmune diseases.

Methodology:

Visual identification

Reported:

Within 24 hours

Reference Values:

  • Male: 0 – 10 mm/hr
  • Female: 0 – 20 mm/hr