ESR Test: Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure and Results Explained
What is ESR Test?
ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Test is a common blood test used to detect inflammation in the body. It measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube within one hour. If they settle faster than normal, it indicates inflammation or infection.
Why is ESR Test Done?
Doctors recommend ESR test to:
- Detect infections and inflammatory diseases
- Diagnose autoimmune disorders like rheumatoid arthritis and lupus
- Monitor chronic conditions
- Check treatment progress
ESR Test Normal Range
| Age / Gender | Normal ESR Range (mm/hr) |
| Men (below 50 years) | 0 – 15 |
| Women (below 50 years) | 0 – 20 |
| Men (above 50 years) | 0 – 20 |
| Women (above 50 years) | 0 – 30 |
| Children | 0 – 10 |
How is ESR Test Performed?
- A small blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm.
- The blood is placed in a test tube and observed for one hour.
- The rate at which the red blood cells settle is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr).
It is a simple, painless, and quick test with no special preparation required.
What Does High ESR Level Mean?
High ESR indicates:
♢ Pregnancy (slight increase is normal)
♢ Infection (bacterial or viral)
♢ Autoimmune diseases
♢ Tuberculosis
♢ Kidney diseases
♢ Thyroid problems
♢ Pregnancy (slight increase is normal
What Does Low ESR Level Mean?
High ESR indicates:
♦ Infection (bacterial or viral)
♦ Autoimmune diseases
♦ Tuberculosis
♦ Kidney diseases
♦ Thyroid problems
♦ Pregnancy (slight increase is normal)
What Does Low ESR Level Mean?
Low ESR is less common but may suggest:
- High red blood cell count (polycythemia)
- Heart failure
- Sickle cell anemia
ESR Test Cost
The ESR test is affordable and usually costs between ₹100 to ₹300 in India or $5 to $10 globally, depending on the lab.
Conclusion
The ESR test is a useful indicator of inflammation in the body. However, it does not diagnose a specific disease. Doctors often combine it with other tests like CRP or CBC for accurate diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. Is fasting required before ESR test?
No, fasting is not required. You can eat or drink normally before the test.
Q2. Can ESR detect cancer?
High ESR may suggest chronic inflammation or serious illness, including cancer, but it is not a confirmatory test.
Q3. Can ESR be cured?
ESR is not a disease. It is a marker. Treating the underlying cause (infection or inflammation) will help normalize ESR levels.
Q4. How long does ESR test take?
The blood collection takes only a few minutes, but the lab may take 1–2 hours to report the result.