Which statement about ESR reference ranges is true?

Which statement about ESR reference ranges is true?

• A. They are the same for all ages.
• B. They are higher in older women (over 50) compared to younger women.
• C. They are lower in older women.
• D. They do not apply to adult women.

Answer: (B)

ESR reference ranges vary with both age and sex, because baseline levels of the proteins that influence sedimentation (like fibrinogen and immunoglobulins) rise with age and are typically higher in women than men. As a result, the upper limit of normal ESR is higher in older individuals and in women. This is why older women tend to have higher reference ranges than younger women. In practice, clinicians use age- and sex-adjusted reference values rather than a single universal number. The other statements aren’t accurate because ESR references are not the same for all ages, they do apply to adult women, and they’re not lower in older women.

ESR reference ranges vary with both age and sex, because baseline levels of the proteins that influence sedimentation (like fibrinogen and immunoglobulins) rise with age and are typically higher in women than men. As a result, the upper limit of normal ESR is higher in older individuals and in women. This is why older women tend to have higher reference ranges than younger women. In practice, clinicians use age- and sex-adjusted reference values rather than a single universal number. The other statements aren’t accurate because ESR references are not the same for all ages, they do apply to adult women, and they’re not lower in older women.