Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
Disclaimer: Information on this page is for educational purposes. Consult a physician to interpret your test results. Lissa Health helps track biomarker trends but does not replace medical advice.
What This Test Measures
ESR is a nonspecific inflammation marker measuring how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over one hour. Higher inflammatory activity leads to faster sedimentation.
ESR rises with infections, autoimmune diseases, malignancy, and pregnancy. Normal ESR does not exclude inflammation — CRP provides additional specificity.
ESR is useful for monitoring rheumatoid arthritis, temporal arteritis, and other inflammatory conditions over time.
Normal Ranges
| Group | Reference Range |
|---|---|
| Men | 2–15 mm/hr |
| Women | 2–20 mm/hr |
| Children | 2–10 mm/hr |
Reference ranges may vary by laboratory and assay method.
Causes of High Levels
- Bacterial and viral infections
- Rheumatoid arthritis, IBD, SLE
- Malignancy
- Pregnancy
- Anemia, aging
Causes of Low Levels
- Polycythemia
- Sickle cell anemia
- Hypofibrinogenemia
- NSAIDs and corticosteroids (suppress inflammation)
Test Preparation
- Fasting not required
- Report pregnancy and NSAID/steroid use
- Test performed on citrate or EDTA blood within 2–4 hours
Related Biomarkers
| Biomarker | Relationship |
|---|---|
| C-Reactive Protein (CRP) | More specific inflammation marker |
| Fibrinogen | Affects sedimentation rate |
| Hemoglobin | Anemia elevates ESR |
FAQ
How often should I take this test?
Every 1–3 months with inflammatory disease; screening as indicated.
What should I do if my result is abnormal?
High ESR warrants cause investigation: infection, autoimmunity, malignancy. Normal ESR does not replace other tests.
Last updated: June 2026