From the Guidelines
A normal sedimentation rate (sed rate) is generally considered to be between 0-15 mm/hr for men and 0-20 mm/hr for women, with values increasing with age. The sed rate is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the body, measuring how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube over one hour 1. When inflammation is present, certain proteins in the blood cause red blood cells to stick together and fall more quickly, resulting in a higher sed rate. This test is commonly used to help diagnose and monitor inflammatory conditions such as infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers, though it cannot identify the specific cause of inflammation.
Key Points to Consider
- The sed rate can be influenced by various factors, including pregnancy, anemia, and certain medications, so the test is typically interpreted alongside other clinical findings and laboratory tests 1.
- Children generally have lower sed rate values, ranging from 0-10 mm/hr, while older adults may have slightly higher normal ranges, up to 20 mm/hr for men over 50 and up to 30 mm/hr for women over 50.
- A sed rate above 60 mm/hr is often considered indicative of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), while a rate above 30 mm/hr may also be consistent with the diagnosis of ARF 1.
- The sed rate is just one aspect of a comprehensive diagnostic workup, and should be considered in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings, such as C-reactive protein levels and medical history.
Clinical Application
In clinical practice, the sed rate is a useful tool for monitoring inflammatory conditions and guiding treatment decisions. However, it is essential to consider the sed rate in the context of the individual patient's overall clinical presentation, medical history, and other laboratory results. By doing so, healthcare providers can make informed decisions about diagnosis, treatment, and management of inflammatory conditions.
From the Research
Normal Sedimentation Rate
A normal sedimentation rate (sed rate) can vary depending on the individual and the method used to measure it.
- The sed rate is a blood test that measures how quickly erythrocytes (red blood cells) settle in a test tube containing a blood sample [ 2 ].
- It is used to detect inflammation in the body and can be elevated in various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers [ 3 ].
Factors Affecting Sed Rate
Several factors can affect the sed rate, including:
- Age: The sed rate tends to increase with age [ 2 ].
- Sex: Women tend to have a higher sed rate than men [ 4 ].
- Method of measurement: Different methods of measuring the sed rate can give different results [ 5 ].
Correlation with Other Tests
The sed rate can be correlated with other tests, such as:
- C-reactive protein (CRP) level: There is a significant correlation between the sed rate and CRP level in patients with rheumatic diseases [ 6 ].
- Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurements by TEST 1: This method can reflect inflammation better than the Westergren method in patients with malignancy, autoimmune disease, or infection [ 5 ].
Normal Values
The normal values for the sed rate can vary depending on the laboratory and the method used.