ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube in one hour. A high ESR indicates the presence of inflammation in the body, but it is not specific to any particular condition. The range for a high ESR can vary depending on the age and sex of the person being tested, as well as the laboratory conducting the test. Generally, a high ESR is considered to be:
- For men: above 15 mm/hr
- For women: above 20 mm/hr (or 30 mm/hr for women over 50 years old)
However, it is important to note that the normal range for ESR can also vary between different laboratories, so it is best to refer to the reference range provided by the laboratory where the test was conducted. Additionally, a high ESR result should be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical findings and tests to determine the underlying cause of the inflammation.
