ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a test tube. A faster rate indicates inflammation in the body.
Category: Inflammation & Immune
Also known as: esr, sed rate, sedimentation rate, erythrocyte sedimentation rate
Reference range: 0–20 mm/hr (Source: ABIM)
Standard unit: mm/hr
High values may indicate
High ESR may indicate infection, autoimmune diseases (such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis), temporal arteritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, cancer, or chronic kidney disease.
Low values may indicate
Low ESR values are normal. Very low ESR may occasionally be seen with polycythemia, sickle cell disease, extreme leukocytosis, or congestive heart failure.