What does the Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate - ESR blood test mean? Get a free analysis of your blood test now. Here's what you get with our free analysis:
The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. It's a non-specific indicator of inflammation in the body. Elevated ESR levels can suggest various conditions, including infections, autoimmune disorders, and certain cancers. However, it's not diagnostic on its own and is often used in conjunction with other tests to aid in diagnosis and monitor disease activity. The test is simple, inexpensive, and widely used, but it can be affected by factors like age, gender, and pregnancy.
A low ESR reading (below the range_lower) is generally not considered clinically significant. In rare cases, it might indicate:
However, a low ESR doesn’t typically require further investigation unless accompanied by other concerning symptoms or test results.
A high ESR reading (above the range_upper) indicates increased inflammation in the body. This can be caused by various conditions, including:
A high ESR warrants further investigation to determine the underlying cause. Additional tests and clinical evaluation are usually necessary to make a definitive diagnosis.