What is ESR test?
The 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 to the bottom of a test tube within an hour. If they settle faster than normal, it indicates inflammation or infection.
Why is the ESR test done?
Doctors recommend an ESR test in the following situations:
- Detect infections and inflammatory diseases
- Diagnose autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
- Monitor long-term conditions
- Check the progress of treatment
Normal range of ESR test
| Age/Gender | Normal ESR range (mm/hr) |
| Men (under 50 years of age) | 0 – 15 |
| Women (below 50 years of age) | 0 – 20 |
| Men (over 50 years of age) | 0 – 20 |
| Women (above 50 years of age) | 0 – 30 |
| Children | 0 – 10 |
How is the ESR test done?
- A small sample of blood is taken from a vein in the arm.
- The blood is placed in a test tube and observed for one hour.
- The rate of clotting of red blood cells is measured in millimeters per hour (mm/h).
It is a simple, painless and quick test that does not require any special preparation.
What does a high ESR level mean?
High ESR indicates the following:
Pregnancy (a slight increase in volume is normal)
♢ Infection (bacterial or viral)
♢ Autoimmune diseases
♢ Tuberculosis
♢ Kidney diseases
♢ Thyroid problems
Pregnancy (a slight increase in volume is normal)
What does a low ESR level mean?
High ESR indicates the following:
♦ Infection (bacterial or viral)
♦ Autoimmune diseases
♦ Tuberculosis
♦ Kidney diseases
♦ Thyroid problems
♦ Pregnancy (a slight increase in volume is normal)
What does a low ESR level mean?
A low ESR is less common but may indicate the following:
- High red blood cell count (polycythemia)
- heart failure
- fissure cell anemia
Cost of ESR test
The ESR test is affordable and typically costs between ₹100 and ₹300 in India or $5 to $10 globally, depending on the laboratory.
Also read this post :- Creatinine Test: Purpose, Normal Range, Procedure & Results
Conclusion
The ESR test is a useful indicator of inflammation in the body. However, it does not diagnose any specific disease. Doctors often combine it with other tests, such as CRP or CBC to make an accurate diagnosis.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
No, fasting is not necessary. You can eat and drink normally before the test.
A high ESR may indicate serious disease, including chronic inflammation or cancer, but it is not a confirmatory test.
ESR isn’t a disease. It’s an indicator. Treating the underlying cause (infection or inflammation) will normalize ESR levels.
Blood collection only takes a few minutes, but it can take 1-2 hours for the laboratory to report the results.