What is ESR?
the classic slow inflammation test
ESR is a traditional inflammation measure. It rises and falls more slowly than CRP and is used mainly in rheumatological disease.
ESR measures how fast red cells settle in a test tube. The number is non-specific but is informative in chronic inflammatory conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica and temporal arteritis.
Test facts
- Unit
- mm
- Sample
- Whole blood
- Fasting
- No fasting needed
- Turnaround
- 1 day
What does low ESR mean?
Low values are expected in healthy people.
What does high ESR mean?
High ESR points to inflammation, anaemia, or plasma cell disorders and needs clinical follow-up.
Panels that measure ESR
- Inflammation
More markers in the same area
Launching in Stockholm in 2026.
Want to know when you can order?
This is general information about the marker, not an assessment of your values and not medical advice. Last updated: May 2026.