Haematology · Inflammation Marker
ESR – Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate
A simple, non-specific inflammation marker — measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. Elevated ESR signals systemic inflammation or infection.
A Century-Old Test Still Going Strong
The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is one of the oldest laboratory tests in medicine — yet it remains clinically valuable precisely because of its simplicity. A tube of blood is left standing upright for one hour; the distance red blood cells fall is measured in millimetres. During inflammation, the liver releases acute-phase proteins like fibrinogen that coat red cells, making them heavier and causing them to settle faster — raising the ESR.
ESR does not point to a specific diagnosis — it is a non-specific alarm signal. But a markedly elevated ESR (especially above 100 mm/hr) strongly indicates serious underlying disease and prompts targeted investigation. It is particularly useful for tracking the activity of chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and tuberculosis over time.
Normal Reference Ranges
| Category | Normal ESR (mm/hr) |
|---|---|
| Men (under 50) | < 15 mm/hr |
| Men (over 50) | < 20 mm/hr |
| Women (under 50) | < 20 mm/hr |
| Women (over 50) | < 30 mm/hr |
| Children | < 10 mm/hr |
Conditions That Raise ESR
Preparation
No fasting required. ESR is usually done as part of a full blood panel (CBC + ESR). A very high ESR (>100 mm/hr) is clinically significant and almost always indicates a serious condition requiring further investigation.
Test Price at Velys Hospital
₹150
Inclusive of collection · Same-day report
Book ESR Test at Velys Hospital
No fasting · Walk-in available · Same-day results · Ahmedabad