All tests
Blood tests
ESR (Sed Rate)
A general marker of inflammation that measures how fast red blood cells settle in a tube.
Video lesson
Why it’s ordered
To screen for inflammation and track activity in RA, polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis and other conditions.
Understanding results
Higher values suggest inflammation, but ESR also rises with age, anemia, pregnancy and kidney disease. A normal ESR doesn’t rule out arthritis.
Good to know
It changes slowly over weeks, so it is best for following trends.
At a glance
Type
Blood tests
Reviewed by Farhan Tahir, MD, FACR
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