Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

An erythrocyte sedimentation rate or ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells (RBCs) settle down at the bottom of a test tube. Usually, the sedimentation rate of RBCs is normal, but it increases during an abnormal immune response. In this situation, an ESR blood test indicates inflammation, injury, infection, immune disorder, or other chronic diseases.

An ESR blood test is also a part of a complete blood count test available at Apollo 24|7. However, a doctor can order this test separately if you have a history of fever, an inflammatory disease or an immune-related disorder. 

You can find out the ESR test price at Apollo 24|7 and get quick reports. You can find out how quickly the RBCs are settling which will directly mean that your body is likelier to more inflammation. 

Here are some reasons for taking an ESR blood test as per your physician’s suggestion.

• Frequent headaches and fever
• Weight loss or loss of Appetite
• Constant stiffness, pain or swelling in  a joint that might be due to an inflammatory disorder
• Symptoms of anaemia like body pain, loss of appetite, shortness of breath, or weakness
   

Medically reviewed by Dr Shakti, General Physician/Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, New Delhi

Frequently asked questions

How is the blood sample taken?

To take the blood sample, a tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is asked to make a fist. This helps in the buildup of blood filling the veins and it becomes easy to collect the blood. The skin is cleaned before inserting the needle in the vein in order to prevent bacteria from entering. The needle is then inserted into the vein in the arm and the blood sample is collected in the vacutainer.

What is temporal arteritis?

Temporal arteritis is also known as giant cell arteritis. It involves inflammation and constriction of the blood vessels near the temples on the side of the head.

What is systemic vasculitis?

In systemic vasculitis, the blood vessels get inflamed which can lead to damage to blood vessels.

What is polymyalgia rheumatica?

Polymyalgia rheumatica is a condition in which the muscles become painful and stiff. This condition is associated with temporal arteritis.

What other tests can be advised along with ESR?

Other tests that can be advised along with ESR include a C-reactive protein test, a comprehensive metabolic panel, or complete blood count.

Should I inform my doctor if I am taking any medicines?

Yes, please inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines or supplements as it might interfere with the test results.

What kind of preparation is needed for an erythrocyte sedimentation rate test?

The ESR blood test package does not need any special preparation before taking the test. However, if you are on any medication, it would be fair to let your physicians know. Some medications can interfere with the result and reflect false positives and negatives. Hence, your physician can suggest you skip the medication before taking the test.

What is the procedure for an ESR blood test?

An ESR blood test is a straightforward procedure of taking a venous blood sample using a high-quality Vacuette needle.

Are any other tests required alongside an ESR test?

If your clinician suspects an inflammatory disease, they can order a C-Reactive Protein Test and a Complete Blood Count test. These two tests can also indicate the level of inflammation, and give an idea of the level of other blood components due to inflammation.

What does a high erythrocyte sedimentation rate indicate?

The higher the ESR, the faster your RBCs settle at the bottom, indicating an intense inflammatory reaction. The inflammation can occur due to infections, injuries, including fractures, and even post-surgery. Furthermore, elevated ESR can also indicate other serious illnesses like arthritis, rheumatic fever, heart disease, vascular disease, certain types of cancer, inflammatory bowel disease, and kidney disorders. As mentioned earlier, certain medications can affect the ESR test result, for example, oral contraceptive pills. Also, during normal physiological conditions like menstruation or pregnancy, your ESR might be slightly high.

What does low ESR say about your health?

A person can have low ESR during exceptional conditions like sickle cell anaemia, polycythemia, and leukocytosis. Your doctor can explain these results to you and suggest further tests to confirm the above.

Should I be concerned about an abnormal ESR test result?

An ESR blood test does not help to diagnose a disease or a condition. It is only used as an indication to confirm the presence of an inflammation reaction. As with most laboratory tests, be it the blood test or urine test, the results of the ESR blood test have to be correlated clinically. Your doctor will decide on further tests required to confirm the significance of a high ESR.