Sedimentation Rate : blood test, levels and interpretation of results

Sedimentation Rate is a non-specific indicator of inflammation or other underlying health conditions. This article explains this blood test, show its importance and its limites and how interpret the results


◉ Sedimentation rate normal range

The ESR measured is expressed in millimeters (mm) (corresponds to the distance in millimeters that the red blood cells have traveled in one hour). Although "normal" ESR values vary from lab to lab, it is generally accepted that :

Test results may vary depending on your age (increases with age), gender, pregnancy, technical factors (dilution problem, high temperature, tube inclination), etc.

Note : For some references, the normal value is < 20 mm for men and < 25mm for women.



◉ Sedimentation rate Interpretation

High sedimentation rate

Finding an isolated sedimentation rate increase is of little value and difficult to interpret. An elevation of ESR above 15mm (20mm for women) this may mean that your body is having an inflammatory reaction to something but will not identify its location or cause.

There are several causes of a high sedimentation rate:

The value of sedimentation Rate is a piece of information that can help your doctor check your condition by considering your history, symptoms, and the results of your other diagnostic tests.

Low sedimentation rate

◾ Among the causes of a drop in sedimentation rate:


◉ Sedimentation rate assay

◉ Sedimentation rate and Covid-19

Like all other infections, Covid-19 may be accompanied, regardless of the severity of the disease, by an increase in sedimentation rate.


◉ Sedimentation rate and pregnancy

The sedimentation rate of erythrocytes is strongly influenced by gestational age and hemoglobin concentration.

ESR increases, during pregnancy, in parallel with gestational age and can reach, according to a study, 70mm/h in the second half of pregnancy.


◉ Why is ESR higher in women than in men?

The normal ESR is higher in women than in men, mainly due to a lower hemoglobin level in women.

◉ What other tests could I have with this test ?


◉ Difference Between CRP and Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

sedimentation rate measures the rate at which red blood cells are deposited, while CRP is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation. Both can be useful markers of inflammation, but CRP is generally considered a more specific and sensitive marker than sedimentation rate.

Relative to the red blood cell sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein levels increase and decrease rapidly with the onset and removal of the inflammatory stimulus, respectively.

🏿 Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why does ESR increase with age?
A: This increase is related to the increase in fibrinogen levels with age.

Q: When should I be worried about my SV?
A: ESR levels above 100 mm/h could indicate a more “active” disease, such as cancer, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease.

Q: What are the factors that can influence the VS result ?
A: Many factors can affect your results, such as: age, use of medication, pregnancy, menstruation. etc