Sedimentation Rate

Results

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

Normal

Normal values may vary from lab to lab. Results are usually available right away.

Sedimentation rate

Men	0–15 millimeters per hour (mm/hr)
Women	0–20 mm/hr
Children	0–10 mm/hr
Newborns	0–2 mm/hr

High values

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 toxemia of pregnancy.
• Viral infections.

Low values

Low values may be caused by:

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

Go to previous section	Go to top of page	Go to next section
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC	Last Updated: June 16, 2006
Medical Review:	Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Stanford M. Shoor, MD - Rheumatology
© 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.