ESR (Blood)

Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Haematology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

ESR

Test Code (Numeric Code)

1015

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Collect:

  • Adult: 1.5mL Adult EDTA Blood.
  • Paediatric: 3x 0.5ml EDTA (total 1.5 mL).

    Transport

  • Do NOT SPIN Monosed Tube (Black Top) or EDTA.
  • Photocopy request form and give to Haematology Automation staff .

    Registration

    Please register test code ESR.

    Sample Stability

    Ambient (8 - 24°C) Less than 6-hours
    4°C Less than 12-hours

  • Synonyms

    Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

    Turnaround Time

    2 hours

    This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section below for more information on the indications for testing.

    Specimen Type

    • Whole Blood

    Specimen Requirements

    Tube/Container Type:

    Preferred
    • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
    Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

    1.5

    No of Samples Required

    1

    Paediatric Specimen Requirements

    Tube/Container Type:

    Preferred
    • EDTA (Lavender Cap)
    Acceptable
    • EDTA (Microtainer)
    • Please refer to Additional Information below
    Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

    1.5

    Pre-testing Requirements

    ESRs will only be processed when relevant clinical details are legibly written on the request form and requests meet the testing criteria (refer to the section: Diagnostic Use and Interpretation).

    Additional Specimen Information

    Paediatric Samples:
    Collect 3 x 0.5ml EDTA blood samples (1.5ml total blood sample).

    Last updated: 26/08/2026