M I N I - C U B E – U S E R M A N U A L
11/59 Rev 1.3 06/2018
of the sedimentation phenomenon, and increased immunoglobulins observed
with oncological/haematological diseases and acute infections. The ESR is
therefore a non-specific measurement of an inflammatory state; the rate is high
in numerous, different pathological conditions such as inflammatory diseases
(infections, rheumatic diseases), a relative/absolute increase in globulins
(nephrotic syndrome, myeloma), tissue necrosis (myocardial infarction,
tumours). Literature suggests the ESR is useful in diagnosing some diseases,
such as polymyalgia rheumatica, temporal arteritis, rheumatoid arthritis and
Hodgkin’s disease, and is useful as an effective marker of pharmacological
treatment in some diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, vasculitis,
collagenosis and septic arthritis. The ESR in usually higher in females
compared to males and increases in pregnancy and tends to rise with age in
both genders.
Normal ESR values (Westergren citrated)
With the Westergren reference method, the test is performed on blood diluted
in citrate; with four parts blood to one part anti-coagulant. The diluted blood is
then aspirated in a special, graduated, 2.5 mm diameter pipette which is kept
upright. The erythrocyte sedimentation level is recorded after one hour,
measuring the distance between the lower side of the plasma meniscus to the
top layer of sedimented red blood cells.
Guidelines for ESR Reference Values for the Westergren
ESR Method* are as follows:
Normal 0-20mm/hr
* Follow CLSI
Procedures for the Erythrocyte Sedimentation
Rate Test; Approved Standard. CLSI document H02.
Reference values should be established locally in accordance with the
individual laboratory’s accrediting agencies. Refer to CLSI document H02
for age and gender-specific reference values.
