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Inflammatory & Other Chemistry

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Normal range ≤ 20 (age/sex-dependent) mm/hr (0–20 mm/hr SI). Specimen: Whole blood (EDTA).

Also known as: sed rate.

≤ 20 (age/sex-dependent) mm/hrReference range

Reference range

Conventionalmm/hr
020
SImm/hr
020
SpecimenWhole blood (EDTA)
Conventional range≤ 20 (age/sex-dependent) mm/hr
SI range0–20 mm/hr
Conversion factor×1 (conventional → SI)
PanelInflammatory & Other Chemistry

Convert any Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) result between units on the unit converter.

What is the normal range for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)?

The standard teaching reference range for Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is ≤ 20 (age/sex-dependent) mm/hr in conventional units, or 0–20 mm/hr in SI units. This value is measured in whole blood (edta).

Source: Adult reference values compiled from Pagana & Pagana, Mosby's Diagnostic and Laboratory Test Reference, and Fischbach & Dunning, A Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. Reference ranges vary by laboratory, method, age, sex, and population — always use the range printed on the actual result.

Above the range

Common causes of a high Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  • Infection or inflammation
  • Autoimmune disease (temporal arteritis, polymyalgia)
  • Anemia
  • Malignancy or pregnancy

Below the range

Common causes of a low Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

  • Polycythemia
  • Sickle cell disease

At the bedside

Nursing considerations

  • A nonspecific inflammation marker that changes slowly.
  • Rises with age; a common rule of thumb is age ÷ 2 (men) as the upper limit.

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Your notes on Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

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