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HelpTest Code LAB322 Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Clinical System Name
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
Synonyms
ESR
LAB322
Sed Rate
Sedrate
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Whole Blood
Container(s): Lavender/EDTA (pierceable caps only)
Preferred Vol: 2.0-4.0 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL Microtainer (BD MAP with pierceable cap only) or 1.0 mL Macrotainer
Notes: A Lavender top/EDTA Macrotainer must contain at least 1.0 mL.
Processing Instructions
Reject due to: Insufficient Quantity, Wrong Sample collection, Clotted Sample, Hemolyzed, Age of specimen
Spin: N
Aliquot: N
Temp: RT
Storage location: Core 5 Fridge
Off-site collection: Store whole blood at room temperature and transport to Children's Lab within 24 hours.
Stability
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Whole blood | RT |
≤ 24 h |
| Whole blood | 2-8 C |
≤ 24 h |
| -20 C or -70 C |
N |
Availability
| STAT | Performed | TAT |
|---|---|---|
| Y | 24/7 | 1 h |
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Department: Core Hematology
Phone Number: 206-987-2617 (Client Services)
CPT Codes
85652
Methodology
Method: Photometric Rheoscopy by Alcor iSED
Analytical Volume: 0.1 mL EDTA Whole Blood
Limitations/Interferences:
Falsely elevated ESR can be caused by high fibrinogen, high gamma globulins, mechanical vibrations, and elevated (>30°C) room temperature.
Falsely decreased ESR can be caused by RBC abnormalities (sickle cells, spherocytosis, elliptocytosis), age of specimen (>24 hrs old), inadequate fill volume, cold agglutinin, clots, bubbles, and decreased (<10°C) room temperature.
Reference Range
|
Normal ESR values according to Westergren |
||
|
Age |
Male (mm/hour) |
Female (mm/hour) |
|
0 – 12 y |
0-10 |
0-10 |
|
>12 y |
0 – 15 |
0 - 20 |
Description
The ESR is used to demonstrate the presence of nonspecific inflammation and/or tissue destruction. It is a nonspecific test indicating tissue destruction but not specifying the cause.
The ESR is elevated in the following conditions: inflammatory conditions with increased acute phase reactants, rheumatoid and pyogenic arthritis, pelvic inflammation, systemic lupus erythematosus, tuberculosis, kidney disease, chronic liver disease, enteritis, severe anemia, multiple myeloma, lymphomas, myocardial infarction, pregnancy, menstruation, oral contraceptives, hepatitis, cirrhosis, Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia, cryoglobulinemia, tissue necrosis, etc.
ESR values are decreased in the following conditions: polycythemia vera, some forms of macroglobulinemia, and sickle cell anemia. ESR values are decreased when age of specimen exceeds recommended time. The ESR has a high sensitivity, but lacks specificity. Changes in ESR may provide information concerning the disease process and may help observing therapeutic response.