The ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a vertical tube over one hour. Inflammation causes proteins in the blood to stick to red blood cells, making them settle faster. While nonspecific, the test is widely used because it is simple, inexpensive, and reliable.
ESR is ordered to evaluate suspected inflammatory or autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, polymyalgia rheumatica, and giant cell arteritis; investigate unexplained fever or pain; assess disease activity in known inflammatory conditions; and monitor response to treatment. It is often interpreted alongside CRP, which responds more quickly to changes in inflammation. Sample type is whole blood in an EDTA tube.
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