Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
What it measures
ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube over an hour, which happens faster when there's inflammation.
Often reported in mm/hr. Reference ranges differ between laboratories, ages and sexes, so always compare with the range printed on your own report.
Why it matters
Like CRP, ESR is a general marker of inflammation rather than a specific diagnosis, and can be affected by age, anemia, and other factors.
Questions worth asking
- Could age, anemia, or another condition be affecting this result?
- Should this be interpreted alongside CRP?
- Is further evaluation recommended to identify a cause?
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Educational information only. Not a diagnosis, not treatment advice, and not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional.