Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

General

Synonym/Acronym:

Sed rate, ESR.

Rationale

To assist in diagnosing acute infection in diseases such as tissue necrosis, chronic infection, and acute inflammation.

Patient Preparation

There are no food, fluid, activity, or medication restrictions unless by medical direction.

Normal Findings

Method: Westergren or modified Westergren.

AgeMaleFemale
Newborn0–2 mm/hr0–2 mm/hr
Less than 50 yr0–15 mm/hr0–25 mm/hr
50 yr and older0–20 mm/hr0–30 mm/hr

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions

N/A

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