ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
Quick answer: The ESR measures how fast red blood cells settle at the bottom of a tube, which rises when there is inflammation in the body. It is used as a general sign of infection or inflammation and to follow conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or TB.
- SampleBlood
- TakesAbout 5 minutes for the blood draw
- Before the testNo special preparation is usually needed.
How the test is done
- 1Blood is drawn into a tube with anticoagulant
- 2The blood is placed upright in a tall, thin tube
- 3The lab measures how far the red cells fall in one hour
- 4The result is reported in millimetres per hour
What your results can mean
Reading your report
ESR rises with age, anaemia and normal pregnancy, and does not point to a specific disease; discuss it with your doctor.
If the result is outside the usual range
A high ESR can be seen with infection, inflammation, TB, autoimmune disease, anaemia, pregnancy and some cancers. A low ESR is rarely significant.
Who usually has this test
People with a long fever, joint pain, suspected TB or autoimmune conditions, often as a general marker of inflammation.
Risks and aftercare
Bruising is possible, and you can eat and drink as usual.
Names and options
Also called: ESR, sed rate, sedimentation rate
Listed by the hospital as
- ESR
Questions about this test
Is ESR raised in pregnancy?
Yes, ESR normally rises in pregnancy, so it is less useful then. Doctors read it with that in mind.
Can ESR diagnose a specific disease?
No, ESR only shows inflammation somewhere in the body. Other tests are needed to find the cause.
Does age affect ESR?
ESR tends to rise with age and is often higher in women. Doctors take this into account.
Related tests
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This page explains each test in general terms so you know what to expect. It is not medical advice: your doctor decides which tests you need and what your results mean. Reference ranges differ between laboratories. Updated 4 November 2026.