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| Quick reference medical handouts used
by Pediatric offices |
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What is a "sed rate?"
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) sometimes called the "sed
rate" is a nonspecific screening test for diseases of inflammation. The test
simply measures the distance red blood cells settle in unclotted blood toward
the bottom of a test tube in one hour.
Normal Values for the ESR
| Newborn |
0 to 2 mm/hr |
| 1 year to puberty |
3 - 13 mm/hr. |
| Women under 50 years old |
0 - 20 mm/hr. |
| Women over 50 years old |
0 - 30 mm/hr. |
| Men under 50 years old |
0 - 15 mm/hr. |
| Men over 50 years old |
0 - 20 mm/hr. |
The ESR detects infection or inflammation but not its cause . It is
increased in rheumatoid diseases, most infections, and in cancer. It is also
abnormal in children with kidney disease, anemia, diseases involving white
blood cells, and autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. An advanced rate doesn't
diagnose a specific disease, but it does indicate that an underlying disease
may be present . Additional tests would have to be performed to get an accurate
diagnosis. The test is also used to monitor a child with a specific medical
problem. When the disease worsens, the ESR increases; when the disease improves,
the ESR decreases. The ESR doesn't always follow the course of cancer.
As a reminder, this information should not be relied on as
medical advice and is not intended to replace the advice of your child’s pediatrician.
Please read our full disclaimer.
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