What is considered an elevated ESR in a clinical setting?

An elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is clinically significant as it can indicate the presence of inflammation, infection, or other disease processes in the body. The normal range for ESR can vary based on age and sex but is generally considered to be around 0-20 mm/hr for men and 0-30 mm/hr for women.

In a clinical context, an ESR greater than 30 mm/hr is viewed as elevated and often prompts further investigation into potential underlying conditions. It is important to note that while higher ESR levels, such as those above 30, might not pinpoint a specific diagnosis, they indicate that further evaluation is warranted to determine the underlying issue contributing to these elevated levels. Thus, identifying an ESR greater than 30 as elevated helps healthcare professionals prioritize investigations for possible inflammatory diseases, autoimmune conditions, or infections that may be affecting the patient.