Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Preferred Specimen(s)

• 3 mL of EDTA whole blood or
• 3 ml whole blood 3.2% sodium citrate

Instructions Ship samples to laboratory immediately upon collection

Transport Container EDTA vial or Sodium citrate vial

Transport Temperature Room temperature or Refrigerated

Reject Criteria Received frozen

Methodology Westergren Method

Clinical Significance The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), also called a “sedimentation rate,” or”Biernacki Reaction,” is a non-specific measure of inflammation that is commonly used as a medical screening test. The ESR is increased by any cause or focus of inflammation. The  ESR is decreased in sickle cell anemia, polycythemia, and congestive heart failure. The basal ESR is slightly higher in females.

ESR testing should be performed within 12 hours of specimen collection. A better alternative acute inflammatory marker is C reactive Protein (CRP).

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