An ESR of 0 mm/hr in a young female is within the normal range?

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Only if pregnant
• D. Only if under hydration

Answer: (A)

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate is a nonspecific test for inflammation. Normal ranges vary with age and sex, and in healthy young women the ESR can be very low, even 0 mm/hr, depending on the lab reference. A value of 0 can be seen in someone without inflammation, so it can be within the normal range for a healthy young female. Inflammation tends to raise ESR because inflammatory proteins cause red cells to stack and settle faster, while pregnancy and hydration status can shift the reference range, typically increasing ESR or altering its interpretation. So this 0 value doesn’t indicate a problem on its own and is considered normal in this context.