ESR Test

What is an ESR test?

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test which measures the time taken for red blood cells to settle in a vertical tube. It is a relatively non-specific test that is related to the degree of inflammation in the body, which indirectly affects how avidly red blood cells clump together.

How is an ESR test performed?

ESR is a blood test, and requires a few millilitres of blood from a vein. It is important that the tube is filled to the correct level.

When would you need an ESR test?

An ESR is a relatively non-specific test that gives a limited idea about inflammation in the body. It is often requested for conditions such as:

• Arthritis
• Inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis)
• Septic arthritis (infection in a joint)
• Giant cell arteritis (GCA, a condition which may occur with Polymyalgia Rheumatica – PMR)

An ESR test may be used to follow the progression or resolution of one of these illnesses as they are treated. Occasionally, the ESR is used to try to exclude one of these conditions, when the diagnosis is not clear.

ESR test results explained

The ESR normally increases with advancing age. Generally, a high ESR indicates a higher degree of inflammation, although the ESR can be normal in the early stages of an illness. The ESR will usually fall with successful treatment or resolution of a condition, although it may lag behind the observed clinical improvement in symptoms.

Related specialists

• General Practitioner (GP)
• General Physician
• Orthopaedic Surgeon
• Gastroenterologist
• General Surgeon
• Immunologist
• Rheumatologist
• Emergency Physician
• Intensivist
• Paediatrician
• Infectious Disease Physician
• Ophthalmologist

Related procedures

• Blood Test (venesection)
• Joint Aspiration

Related Tests

• White Cell Count (WCC)
• Differential White Cell Count
• CRP (C-Reactive Protein)
• Bone and Joint X-Rays
• Abdominal CT
• Head CT
• Ultrasound Scan
• Microscopy, Culture and Sensitivity

Also known as

• Sedimentation rate
• Sed rate

Links

• Medline Plus – ESR
• Wikipedia – Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice. If in doubt, HealthEngine recommends consulting with a registered health practitioner.