Laboratory Test Directory

SEDIMENTATION RATE: (089-0108)

Clinical Indication:

 Non specific screening test that may be increased in acute tissue damage, chronic inflammation, chronic infection, and pregnancy.

Test Mnemonic:

 ESRWEST

Methodology:

 Mini-Ves Westergren (measures change in opacity)

Performed:

 Specimen accepted 24 hours per day at Sample Management, 5.136 McCullough.

Turnaround Time:

 ROUTINE: 3 hours;  STAT not available

Specimen Requirements:

Collect: Routine venipuncture;  Collect in EDTA (lavender tube) or Streck ESR Vacuum Tube.

Specimen:    Blood

Volume: Lavender Tube 4.0 ml or volume stated on collection tube.  Streck ESR Vacuum Tube 1.2 mL (up to fill line on Tube).

Minimum Volume:  EDTA tube 90% of  stated tube volume. 

Special Instructions: Sedimentation rate specimens should not be double labeled with other Hematopathology tests. Deliver promptly to the lab.

Storage/Transport:  For best results, deliver to lab within 4 hours. Refrigeration is recommended for samples that may be delayed in delivery to the lab. 
See SPECIAL NOTE below.

Stability ESR-Vacuum Tubes preserve the integrity of the patient sample for up to 4 hours at 18-30°C, and 72 hours if stored at 2° to 10°C.  EDTA samples are stable up to 4 hours at room temperature and 24 hours when refrigerated.     

Causes for Rejection: QNS, clotted, severely hemolyzed specimen, unrefrigerated  specimen greater than 4 hours old, identification errors.

Clinical Information:

Interfering Substances: Hemolysis, severe lipemia, clotted sample, low hematocrit (<10%)

Reference Range:

 Males: 0-10 mm/hour; Females: 0-20 mm/hour

Note:

SPECIAL NOTE: Specimen age exceeding 6 hours may be associated with shortening of the ESR

CPT 4 Code:

 85652

Reviewed: 9/20/12

A. Huerta, BS, MT (ASCP), MBA

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.