Haematology · Inflammation Marker
A simple, non-specific inflammation marker — measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube. Elevated ESR signals systemic inflammation or infection.
The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is one of the oldest laboratory tests in medicine — yet it remains clinically valuable precisely because of its simplicity. A tube of blood is left standing upright for one hour; the distance red blood cells fall is measured in millimetres. During inflammation, the liver releases acute-phase proteins like fibrinogen that coat red cells, making them heavier and causing them to settle faster — raising the ESR.
ESR does not point to a specific diagnosis — it is a non-specific alarm signal. But a markedly elevated ESR (especially above 100 mm/hr) strongly indicates serious underlying disease and prompts targeted investigation. It is particularly useful for tracking the activity of chronic inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, SLE, and tuberculosis over time.
| Category | Normal ESR (mm/hr) |
|---|---|
| Men (under 50) | < 15 mm/hr |
| Men (over 50) | < 20 mm/hr |
| Women (under 50) | < 20 mm/hr |
| Women (over 50) | < 30 mm/hr |
| Children | < 10 mm/hr |
No fasting required. ESR is usually done as part of a full blood panel (CBC + ESR). A very high ESR (>100 mm/hr) is clinically significant and almost always indicates a serious condition requiring further investigation.
Test Price at Velys Hospital
₹150
Inclusive of collection · Same-day report
No fasting · Walk-in available · Same-day results · Ahmedabad