What is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate if it is reported as 75 mm/hr?

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of 75 mm/hr indicates an elevated result. The normal range for ESR can vary slightly depending on the laboratory and population, but generally, values above 20 mm/hr for women and 15 mm/hr for men are considered elevated.

An increased ESR typically suggests the presence of inflammation in the body, which can be due to various conditions, including infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain malignancies. While a higher ESR can be indicative of serious health issues, it is not classified as critical because it does not present an immediate threat to life; however, it does warrant further investigation to determine the underlying cause of the elevation.

Thus, the measurement of 75 mm/hr clearly indicates inflammation or another pathological process occurring, supporting the choice of it being an elevated result.