Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR), often referred to as the sedimentation rate or sed rate, is a simple blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube in a period of one hour. It is a non-specific marker of inflammation in the body. Higher-than-normal rates can indicate inflammation due to conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, arthritis, or cancer. 

The test involves drawing blood into a specialized tube, where the red blood cells settle over time, with the rate of settling measured in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). ESR is commonly used alongside other tests to help diagnose and monitor various inflammatory conditions.

Sample type: Blood

Turn around time: 1 day