ESR
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, sedimentacija
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.
Frequently asked questions
- What is a normal ESR level?
- A typical reference range for ESR is 0–20 mm/hr (source: ABIM). Reference ranges vary by laboratory, age, and sex, so always compare against the range on your own lab report.
- What units is ESR measured in?
- ESR is most commonly reported in mm/hr. Labs in different countries may use other units — you can convert between them with BloodId's blood test unit converter.
- Where do ESR reference ranges come from?
- BloodId uses ABIM standard reference ranges and educational information from MedlinePlus (see our methodology). Reference ranges still vary by lab, age, and sex, so always compare against your own report.
- Can I track ESR over time?
- Yes. Upload results from any lab and BloodId charts your ESR over time against its reference range, so you can see whether the trend is rising, falling, or stable.