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Test Code ESR Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Performing Laboratory

Memorial Hospital Laboratory- Automated Procedures  304-388-5953       
General Hospital Laboratory 304-388-6244
Women and Children's Hospital Laboratory 304-388-2385
Teays Valley Hospital Laboratory 304-757-1770
Plateau Medical Center Laboratory 304-469-8621

Specimen Requirements

Whole Blood-Lavender-top (EDTA) or micortainer, Capillary is Acceptable

 3 mL (minimum 1 mL)

Specimen Rejection

  • Improperly labeled, collected, stored, and transported
  • Quantity not sufficient
  • Clotted specimen
  • Grossly hemolyzed
  • Contaminated

Storage and Stability

Inpatient 

Room Temperature 18-25o C 8 hours
Refrigerate 2-8o C 12 hours

Outpatient

Room Temperature 18-25o C 12 hours
Refrigerate 2-8o C 24 hours

Reference Values

Male/Female Up to 1 month 0-2 mm/hr
Male/Female > 1 month-13 yrs 0-13 mm/hr
Male >13 yrs- 50 yrs 0-15 mm/hr
Female > 13 yrs- 50 yrs 0-20 mm/hr
Male  > 50 yrs 0-30 mm/hr
Female  > 50 yrs 0-42 mm/hr

Methodology

Centrifugation/Laser Optics

Days Test Set Up and Turnaround

Monday through Sunday, Continuously

AM Collection Expected by 9AM same day
Routine Expected within 24 hrs
Stat Expected within 1 hr
Timed Expected results are test dependant

CPT Coding

85652

Additional Information

The ESR is higher in women than in men and the elderly. Moderate increases in the ESR are seen in pregnancy, oral contraceptive ingestion, heparin therapy, inflammaotry disease, i.e. Rheumatoid arthritis, chronic infections, collagen diseases, and neo-plastic diseases.  Marked increases are seen in hyperbilirubinemia and in hyperfibrinogenemia.