Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background :
Non specific test used as a general inflammation screen, used to aid diagnosis and monitor disease activity in Temporal Arteritis and Polymyalgia Rheumatica
Specimen container paediatric :
Purple – EDTA
Specimen container adult :
Purple – EDTA
Minimum volume paediatric :
Not applicable
Minimum volume adult :
2.0mL
Special requirements :
Ensure adequate mixing, adult EDTA (purple top) tube must be used, requires at least 2ml of blood in sample tube
Sample stability :
6 hrs at room temperature, 24 hours in fridge
Transport requirements :
Samples should be transported to lab without delay (see sample stability information)
Availability :
All times, both sites
Freq analysis :
Continuous
Add on test :
[email protected] (external)
Quality assurance :
UK NEQAS Haematology
Interpretation :
Reference ranges :
| Age Range | Male | Female |
| 0 – 50 years | 1 – 10 mm/hour | 1 – 12 mm/hour |
| 50 – 60 years | 1 – 12 mm/hour | 1 – 19 mm/hour |
| 60 – 70 years | 1 – 14 mm/hour | 1 – 20 mm/hour |
| 70 + years | 1 – 30 mm/hour | 1 – 35 mm/hour |
Other info :
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate. The rate at which red blood cells precipitate and is a non-specific measure of inflammation.