Understanding Your ESR
The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate), or “sed rate,” is a simple blood test that measures inflammation in the body. It is a general clue, not a diagnosis on its own.
What It Measures
The test measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube. When inflammation is present, certain proteins make the cells clump and fall faster, raising the ESR.
Because it responds to inflammation from many causes, the ESR is a broad screening tool rather than a specific one.
What Your Results Can Mean
| Result | What It Means |
|---|---|
| NormalLittle Inflammation | No strong sign of inflammation, though it does not fully rule it out. |
| ElevatedInflammation Present | Points to inflammation somewhere in the body, from infection, autoimmune disease, or other causes. It tells us to look further, not where. |
| Very HighSignificant Inflammation | Can be seen with certain infections or inflammatory conditions that need prompt evaluation. |
What’s Most Important to Know
The ESR is often ordered together with CRP, another inflammation marker, because they complement each other.
An elevated ESR is a starting point that we interpret alongside your symptoms and other tests. Dr. Mui will explain what it means in your case.
This page is for general education and does not replace a conversation with your doctor about your specific results. Want to review your results? Book a visit and we’ll go through them together.