Clarilab

Inflammation and immunity

ESR test

Also called erythrocyte sedimentation rate

How fast red cells settle in a tube; a general marker of inflammation.

Typical range
Men up to about 15, women up to about 20 mm/hr (rises with age).
Usual recheck
About 1 month when out of range

Why it's done

Used with symptoms to look for infection, arthritis or other inflammation. Not specific on its own.

What a high result can mean

Infection, inflammation, anaemia, pregnancy and older age all raise it.

Got a report with ESR?

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More inflammation and immunity tests

CRPA protein the liver makes during inflammation or infection. Rheumatoid factor (RA)An antibody found in many people with rheumatoid arthritis. ANAAntibodies seen in autoimmune diseases such as lupus.