: Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, Whole Blood, Wintrobe Method
: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a general blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over a set period. It is used as a nonspecific marker of inflammation in the body.
[": The ESR can signal inflammation is present but does not identify its cause, so it is interpreted alongside symptoms and other tests."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 4538-5
- Short code
- Erythrocyte Sed Rat Bld Wintrobe
- Synonyms
- Erythrocyte Sed Rat Bld Wintrobe
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- Lavender-top (EDTA)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- wintrobe
- CPT
- 85041
- Specimen volume
- 3 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
: What This Test Measures
: A sample of whole blood is placed in a tall, thin tube and left to stand. Red blood cells gradually settle to the bottom, and the distance they fall in a set time is recorded as the sedimentation rate. The Wintrobe method uses a specific tube and reading scale for this measurement.
: Why Your Doctor May Order It
: An ESR may be ordered when inflammation is suspected, such as with joint pain, fever, or fatigue, or to help monitor a known inflammatory or autoimmune condition over time. It is often done together with other tests rather than alone.
: How to Prepare
: No special preparation is usually needed for an ESR. Tell your care team about any medications and recent illnesses, since these can influence results. The test only requires a routine blood draw.
: Understanding the Result
: The ESR is a general indicator, not a diagnosis. A higher rate can occur with many conditions, including infection, inflammation, and anemia, while some factors can lower it. Your doctor interprets the value in the context of your symptoms, age, sex, and other results.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
: The ESR is valued for its simplicity and broad sensitivity to inflammation, but it lacks specificity and cannot pinpoint a cause. It is used to support, not replace, clinical judgment and other laboratory or imaging findings when evaluating or monitoring inflammatory, infectious, or autoimmune conditions.
Short name
: ESR (Wintrobe)
Frequently asked questions
: Does an elevated ESR mean I have a serious disease?
: Can medications affect my ESR result?
: Is the Wintrobe method different from other ESR tests?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy