Effect of age and sex on the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.

In a study designed to reevaluate standard normal values for the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) determined by modified Westergren method, we analyzed samples obtained from individuals in infancy through age 80 years. We found upper limits of normal to be slightly above generally accepted standard laboratory values. An age related increase (stepwise for women and more abrupt in the 5th decade for men) suggests that standard normal values for the Westergren method should be modified.