ERY. SEDIMENTATION RATE - Automated

Message

Method Limitations: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a transient phenomenon confined to fresh blood. It is not a hematic matrix component at the corpuscular or molecular level. The procedure used to determine the ESR cannot be calibrated since they are susceptible to a variety of factors, e.g. temperature, hematocrit, erythrocytes mean corpuscular volume, plasma viscosity, etc. For this reason, it is possible to observe instrument performance deviations, compared to other procedures when the above variables are not taken into account. Sample mixing is performed at the beginning of the analysis with the purpose of homogenizing the sample; an inefficient homogenization can affect the results given by the instrument.

Test Code

ESR

Alias/See Also

ESR
SED RATE

CPT Codes
85652

Preferred Specimen

EDTA Whole blood (lavendar top tube)

Minimum Volume

600 uL Whole Blood

Other Acceptable Specimens

EDTA

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature: 4 hours at 20-25°C
Refrigerated: 24hours at 2-8°C
Frozen: Unacceptable

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Frozen
Clotted specimens
Samples not labeled with full name and date of birth

Methodology
Automated sedimentation rate

Setup Schedule

Daily

Report Available

Same day

Reference Range

Male <50 years old 0-15 mm/hr
> 50 years old 0-20 mm/hr

Female <50 years old 0-20 mm/hr
>50 years old 0-30 mm/hr

Newborns – 18 years of age male and female
0-10 mm/hr

Clinical Significance

The ESR is a simple non-specific screening test that indirectly measures the presence of inflammation in the body. It reflects the tendency of red blood cells to settle more rapidly in the face of some disease states, usually because of increases in plasma fibrinogen, immunoglobulins, and other acute-phase reaction proteins. Changes in red cell shape or numbers may also affect the ESR.

Performing Laboratory
Frederick Health Laboratory
400 W 7th Street
Frederick, MD. 21701

Last Updated: November 28, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.