Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a blood test that measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over an hour. A higher rate suggests inflammation in the body, as inflammation causes proteins that make red blood cells stick together and settle faster. It’s a non-specific test, meaning it doesn't diagnose a particular disease but helps doctors detect and monitor inflammation related to conditions like infections, autoimmune disorders, or other inflammatory diseases. ESR is often used alongside other tests to assess overall health and disease activity.