ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)
Also known as: Sed rate, Sedimentation rate, ESR test kya hai, ESR zyada hona
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: how fast red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in one hour. They settle faster when there is inflammation in the body.
Why it's ordered
A general check for inflammation, and for following conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, tuberculosis or polymyalgia rheumatica. It does not tell you where the problem is.
Preparation
No fasting needed.
Typical adult values
| Men under 50 | up to about 15 mm/hr |
|---|---|
| Men over 50 | up to about 20 mm/hr |
| Women under 50 | up to about 20 mm/hr |
| Women over 50 | up to about 30 mm/hr |
Ranges vary between labs and methods. Always use the range printed on your report.
If it's high
A high ESR suggests inflammation, infection, anaemia or, less often, conditions such as myeloma. It is not a diagnosis by itself; your doctor reads it with your symptoms and other tests.
If it's low
A low ESR usually has no clinical importance.
Good to know
ESR rises naturally with age, in women, in pregnancy and with anaemia, so a mildly high result is common and often not worrying. CRP changes faster and is often more useful for acute infection.
Common questions
What is a normal ESR?
Typical upper limits are about 15 mm/hr for men under 50 and about 20 mm/hr for women under 50, and a little higher after 50. Always use the range printed on your report.
What does a high ESR mean?
A high ESR suggests inflammation, infection, anaemia or, less often, conditions such as myeloma. It is not a diagnosis by itself.
Do I need to fast for an ESR test?
No fasting needed.
Is ESR or CRP better for infection?
CRP changes faster and is often more useful for acute infection. ESR rises naturally with age, in women, in pregnancy and with anaemia.