What do the results of an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test mean?

The sedimentation rate (sed rate) blood test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle in a test tube.

The normal values listed here—called a reference range—are just a guide. These ranges vary from lab to lab, and your lab may have a different range for what’s normal. Your lab report should contain the range your lab uses. Also, your doctor will evaluate your results based on your health and other factors. This means that a value that falls outside the normal values listed here may still be normal for you or your lab.

Results are usually available right away.

• Men: 0–15 millimeters per hour (mm/hr) or 0-20 mm/hr for men older than 50
• Women: 0-20 mm/hr or 0-30 mm/hr for women older than 50
• Children: 0-10 mm/hr
• Newborns: 0-2 mm/hr

High sedimentation rates may be caused by:

• Autoimmune diseases, such as systemic lupus erythematosus or rheumatoid arthritis.
• Cancer, such as lymphoma or multiple myeloma.
• Chronic kidney disease.
• Infection, such as pneumonia, pelvic inflammatory disease, or appendicitis.
• Inflammation of joints (such as polymyalgia rheumatica) and blood vessels (such as giant cell arteritis).
• Inflammation of the thyroid gland (Graves' disease).
• Kidney, bone, joint, skin or heart valve infections.
• Pregnancy and preeclampsia (toxemia of pregnancy)
• Viral infections.

Low values may be caused by:

• High blood sugar levels.
• Polycythemia.
• Sickle cell disease.
• Severe liver disease.