Skip to main content
Your session has expired. Reloading...
Inflammation

ESR blood test: what the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may show

ESR is a simple yet valuable inflammation screening tool. Regular testing supports early detection of inflammatory conditions as part of preventive health.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Male Your group
mm/h
Normal < 15 High
Female Your group
mm/h
Normal < 20 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

What It Measures

This test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle over one hour. Inflammation causes proteins to increase in the blood, making red blood cells clump and settle faster.

Why It Matters

ESR is a non-specific marker that can indicate the presence and intensity of inflammation. It is useful for monitoring inflammatory diseases and infections. Consult your healthcare provider for result interpretation.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended when investigating unexplained fever, joint pain, muscle aches, or to monitor conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or temporal arteritis.

Symptoms

Low Levels

A very low ESR is generally normal. In rare cases, extremely low rates may be associated with certain blood conditions. Your healthcare provider can advise.

High Levels

Elevated ESR may be associated with infections, autoimmune conditions, tissue injury, or certain cancers. Symptoms depend on the underlying cause.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low ESR is normal and indicates no active inflammation.

If High

Elevated ESR indicates inflammation. Consider further evaluation for the underlying cause.

Female

If Low

Low ESR is normal and indicates no active inflammation.

If High

Elevated ESR indicates inflammation. Consider further evaluation for the underlying cause.

Lifestyle Tips

Address underlying causes of inflammation through a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. Work with your healthcare provider on any persistent elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ESR and CRP?
Both measure inflammation, but CRP rises and falls more quickly. ESR changes more slowly and can indicate chronic inflammation. They are often tested together for a fuller picture.
Can age affect ESR?
Yes, ESR tends to increase slightly with age. Your healthcare provider will consider your age when interpreting results.
Is ESR a definitive diagnosis?
No, ESR is a non-specific marker. It indicates inflammation is present but cannot determine the cause. Additional tests are needed for diagnosis.

Tests with related values

These panels measure values from the same category as this marker.

Whoop

A 44-biomarker comprehensive health panel inspired by WHOOP Advanced Labs — a deep look at metabolism, cardiovascular risk, hormones, liver, kidney and inflammation.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) LH (Luteinizing Hormone) Total Testosterone Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Potassium Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Homocysteine Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Omega-3 Index Total Cholesterol Albumin HOMA-IR ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase) AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Bilirubin (Total) Total Protein Urea (BUN) Creatinine Vitamin D (25-OH) eGFR (Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Transferrin Saturation Lipoprotein(a) Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€499,-

InsideTracker

A 36-biomarker performance and longevity panel inspired by InsideTracker Ultimate — covering heart, hormones, metabolism, inflammation, recovery and iron status.

SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) ALT (Alanine Aminotransferase) LDL Cholesterol GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase) Cortisol DHEA-S Estradiol (E2) Free Testosterone Total Testosterone Folate (Folic Acid) Vitamin B12 Calcium Ferritin Iron (Serum) Magnesium Magnesium (Intracellular) Potassium Progesterone Sodium Transferrin CRP (C-Reactive Protein) Glucose (Fasting) HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin) ApoB (Apolipoprotein B) HDL Cholesterol Total Cholesterol Albumin AST (Aspartate Aminotransferase) Vitamin D (25-OH) Insulin (Fasting) Leukocyte Differential Creatine Kinase (CK) Transferrin Saturation Triglycerides Basic Blood Count
€399,-

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate)

€9,-