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.

Age Male Female
Newborn 0–2 mm/hr 0–2 mm/hr
Less than 50 yr 0–15 mm/hr 0–25 mm/hr
50 yr and older 0–20 mm/hr 0–30 mm/hr

Critical Findings and Potential Interventions
N/A

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