Erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Pathology category

Haematology

Code

ESR

Referral code

Request form

Standard

Test information

Should be tested within 4hrs of collection

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

An ESR may be considered urgent in only a few circumstances, please contact the laboratory in these cases.Sample transport should be at 4-25C and should reach the lab within 24hrs

Reference range

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate in mm/hour:17-50 (Male) 1 – 10 51-60 (Male) 1 – 12 61-70 (Male) 1 – 14 >70 (Male) 1 – 3017-50 (Female) 1 – 12 51-60 (Female) 1 – 19 61-70 (Female) 1 – 20 >70 (Female) 1 – 35( Ref: Dacie & Lewis 9th Edition – 95% Confidence Limits for Normal Adults)

Tube type

Tube type info

4ml purple top EDTAor Paediatric EDTA (Must be filled to 500uL line)

Special requirements

Minimum volume

1ml EDTA. Can be analysed from FBC sample if sufficient volume

Assay frequency

Routine

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

1 hour

TAT Inpatient

4 hours

TAT GP/Outpatient

24 hours

Referral lab

local