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Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

Published: July 27, 2026Updated: August 25, 2026

ESR measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specified period, indicating the presence of inflammation in the body.

Quick summary

ESR is a non-specific marker of inflammation used for screening purposes.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 25, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

Units
mm/hr
Clinical utility
screening
Result kind
quantitative
FDA-cleared
Roche ESR, Abbott ESR, Siemens ESR, Stago ESR
interpretation: {"text":"0–20 mm/hr: No indication of significant inflammation.","label":"Normal"}; {"text":">20 mm/hr: May indicate inflammation, infection, or other underlying conditions.","label":"Elevated"}

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test assesses how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) descend in a tube, which is influenced by proteins in the blood associated with inflammation.

An elevated ESR can suggest the presence of inflammatory conditions, infections, or other diseases such as autoimmune disorders and some cancers.

However, it is a non-specific test, meaning that a high result alone cannot pinpoint the exact cause and further diagnostic tests are often required.

Frequently asked questions

What conditions can cause an elevated ESR?
Conditions such as infections, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and some cancers can cause an elevated ESR.
Is ESR testing painful?
No, ESR testing is not painful as it only requires a standard blood draw.
  1. 1
    Mayo Clinic: ESR TestSource
  2. 2
    MedlinePlus: ESRSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 25, 2026. · Read our editorial policy