UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Geriatrics

Title: sed rates in the elderly

Keywords: erythrocyte sedimentation rate, sed rate, temporal arteritis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 9/19/2010 by Amal Mattu, MD (Updated: 3/28/2024)
Click here to contact Amal Mattu, MD

There is a correction factor for erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the elderly. The top normal ESR in the elderly is (age + 10)/2. For example, an 80 yo patients would have a top normal ESR of (80+10)/2 = 45. Most laboratories do not, however, report this correction factor, but simply list < 20 (or thereabouts) as normal.

Be certain to take this correction factor into account when using ESRs for workups for temporal arteritis or other similar conditions.
 

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