ESR LIS Code: ESR

The ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube. When there's inflammation in the body, proteins in the blood make the cells clump and fall faster, so a higher ESR is a general sign of inflammation. It doesn't show where the inflammation is or what's causing it, but it's a useful pointer.

When an ESR is used

• Possible inflammatory conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica or lupus, when you have joint pain, stiffness or ongoing tiredness.
• Monitoring a known condition over time, to see whether inflammation is settling with treatment.
• Part of a general health check, together with a full blood count.

Please seek urgent help (call 111, or 999 in an emergency) if you're over 50 and have a new headache with pain when chewing, scalp tenderness or any change in your vision. These can be signs of giant cell arteritis, which needs same-day treatment.

What your result means

• Normal ESR: significant inflammation is less likely, although it doesn't rule everything out.
• Raised ESR: points to inflammation or infection, but ESR also rises naturally with age, in pregnancy and with anaemia. Your doctor reads it alongside your symptoms and other results.
• A very high ESR (above about 100) is unusual and should always be followed up.

ESR changes slowly, over days to weeks. CRP rises and falls much faster, so the two are often tested together. If an autoimmune condition is suspected, an ANA test may be added.

How it works at VitaLync

• £18 for the test, plus a £25 blood draw at our Slough, Victoria or Neasden clinic, or a nurse visit at home or work.
• No fasting is needed, and you can book any time of day.
• The laboratory usually reports ESR within about 4 hours of receiving your sample, and your result appears in your secure online account.