The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) is a laboratory test of historical significance and broad applicability. Its current role in medical diagnostics, however, is often debated due to a lack of specificity in the results and the emergence of more up-to-date alternatives. This case study, however, illustrates a clinical scenario where the ESR was utilized on more than one occasion to significantly aid the diagnostic process and ultimately, improve patient care.

The purpose of this study was to examine the value of critical thinking skills in predicting American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) Board of Certification (BOC) exam scores for the Medical Laboratory Science (MLS) category. Existing data for undergraduate students in an accredited MLS program during the years of 2009-2012 were examined. Specifically, scores from a Critical Thinking Exercise (CTE) administered during the application process, along with Grade Point Average (GPA), Science Grade Point Average (SGPA), and ASCP BOC exam and subsection scores were analyzed. Results suggest that the CTE is a weak to negligible predictor of ASCP BOC exam performance (r=0.113), while GPA and SGPA are stronger, statistically significant predictors (r=0.358; r=0.428; p<.05). Although critical thinking skills did not significantly predict ASCP BOC exam scores, other implications for their predictive utility exist and are discussed in light of the findings from this and other existing studies within the health professions.