Test Code ESR Sedimentation Rate, Erythrocyte
Specimen Type
Blood.
Preferred Collection Container
LAVCollection Volume
1 mL in a 3 mL LAV (EDTA), or 0.5 mL in a EDTA MAP microtainer (tall) or 1 mL in two traditional EDTA microtainers (short).
Minimum Collection Volume
0.5 mL in a LAV (EDTA) or 0.5 mL in a EDTA MAP microtainer (tall) or 1 mL in two traditional EDTA microtainers (short).
Collection Instructions
Routine venipuncture.
Rejection Criteria
Greiner K3 EDTA tube; EDTA tube >24 hours old stored at room temperature or 4℃ Hemolyzed, clotted, diluted with IV fluid, tube that is not filled with minimum volume, improperly labelled tube; Capillary blood.
Specimen Storage and Stability
Lavendar tubes cannot be used if stored over 24 hours at room temperature or 4℃.
Turn Around Time
4 hours.
Lab Department
Hematology
Alias
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate; ESR; Sedimentation Rate, Westergren; Sed Rate; Sedimentation Rate; Westergren Sedimentation Rate;
Ordering Info
NOTE:Greiner K3 EDTA tubes are not acceptable for this test. Minimum volume has changed to 0.5 mL LAV EDTA.Recommended alternative test: The CRP (C - reactive protein) test also offers an indication of inflammation with a minimum specimen requirement of 0.6 mL in 1 full mint green microtainer or 1.0 mL in a mint green PST vacutainer.EPIC Code
LAB2476
Acceptable Collection Container
LAV (EDTA) or EDTA MAP Microtainer (tall) or traditional EDTA Microtainer (short). See MAP and Traditional Microtainer guide under Forms to see pictures of the two types of LAV microtainers.
Additional Information
Indications for ordering ESR: Giant cell arteritis, Polymyalgia rheumatica, Prosthetic Joint Infections, Osteomyelitis, and Hodgkin Risk Assessment. There is unclear evidence but acceptable use for Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease.
Day(s) and Time(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday, 24 hours