Test Code ESR Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Additional Codes

Cerner	NextGen
ESR	Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

Alternate Name(s)

ESR

Sed Rate

Useful For

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific indicator of inflammation or infection. Sedimentation is accelerated by an increase in the plasma concentration of acute phase proteins, which are increased in acute tissue damage, chronic inflammation, chronic infection, and pregnancy. The ESR reflects both the increase in certain accelerating proteins, such as fibrinogen and gamma globulins, and the decrease in retarding proteins, such as albumin. Conditions that promote the formation of rouleaux produce an elevated ESR result.

ESR is useful in diagnosing some diseases, such as polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis and Hodgkin’s disease, and is useful as an effective marker of pharmacological treatment in some diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis, collagenosis, and septic arthritis. ESR is usually higher in females compared to males, increases in pregnancy, and tends to rise with age in both genders.

Methodology

The MINI-CUBE is an automated ESR analyzer that accurately and precisely measures the sedimentation rate of erythrocytes based upon the principle of the Westergren method. Anticoagulated blood is placed into a vertical column that remains undisturbed for a specified amount of time. At the end of the period, the distance the red cells have settled is measured in mm per hour. The instrument compensates for temperatures above 18 °C according to Manley’s Nomogram.

Patient Preparation

None

Collection Instructions

Maximum of two labels to prevent damage to instruments.
The bottom of the tube must be free of labels, with no folding over, to prevent erroneous results.
Straight, label free gap on side of tube needed for instrument to read values.
Avoid over or under filling.

Specimen Requirements

Preferred Volume	Standard 13 x 75 mm K2EDTA Lavender tubes (BD 3 mL, BD 4 mL, Greiner 3 mL) with Hemogard or conventional stoppers filled to capacity
Minimum Volume	2.0mL of EDTA whole blood in standard 13 x 75 mm K2EDTA Lavender tubes (BD 3 mL, BD 4 mL, Greiner 3 mL) with Hemogard or conventional stoppers
Container	Standard 13 x 75 mm K2EDTA Lavender tubes (BD 3 mL, BD 4 mL, Greiner 3 mL) with Hemogard or conventional stoppers.
Stability	≤ 4 hours at room temperature (18-25 °C) Refrigerated (2-8°C): ≤ 24 hrs
Rejection Criteria	Under- or overfilled Specimens. Clotted specimens

Result Reporting and Reference Values

Reference Range	Male: 0-10 mm/hr. Female: 0-20 mm/hr.
Critical Ranges	None

Reflex Testing