ESR Blood Test
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
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Of Clinical Experience
Established in 1999
Treatment at a glance
Key details you may want to know before booking.
Treatment time
20 minutes
ANAESTHETIC
N/A
DOWNTIME
N/A
Results
24 hours
SUITABLE FOR
N/A
Price
Starting from £41.5
An Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) blood test is conducted to measure inflammation in the patient’s body. The ESR blood test measures how quickly it takes for red blood cells to drop to the bottom of a test tube. The quicker they fall, the more likely there are high levels of inflammation.
As one of London’s original advanced medical and aesthetic clinics, Bodyvie has been a trusted name in healthcare for decades. Our long-standing reputation is built on medical excellence, reliability, and expertise, ensuring every patient receives the highest standard of care.
An ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) blood test is a valuable diagnostic tool used to detect inflammation in the body. It helps our doctors identify and monitor a range of conditions associated with high inflammation, including:
- Arthritis
- Endocarditis
- Crohn’s Disease
- Giant Cell Arteritis
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica
An ESR blood test can also help detect if you have an infection.
What is ESR?
ESR is an indirect measure of inflammation which is present in the body. The test measures red blood cells‘ sedimentation (rate of fall) (also known as erythrocytes). The red blood cells are counted as they fall to the bottom of a tall, thin blood tube.
After an hour, the number of millimetres of clear plasma present at the top of the column is measured.
The red blood cells will fall slowly into a healthy, inflammation-free body, leaving very little clear plasma. However, increased blood levels of specific proteins that increase inflammation (such as immunoglobulins and fibrinogen) cause the red blood cells to fall faster, increasing the ESR.
Both ESR and C-reactive protein (CRP) are markers of inflammation. Usually, ESR changes less rapidly as the concentration of CRP. However, CRP is not affected by as many factors as ESR.
It is important to note that a slightly higher ESR is detected in women, and both menstruation and pregnancy can cause temporary elevations.
How is the test administered?
Whilst no preparations are necessary for an ESR Blood test, you must let your healthcare provider know if you are taking any medication. Several medications may increase or decrease your ESR, so you must let your provider know which medication you take.
The ESR Blood Test is a simple blood test where the phlebotomist will take a small blood sample and collect it in a vial or test tube. The process usually takes around five minutes and is almost painless.
If you’re interested in enquiring about our EST blood tests or other tests, please get in touch with us today by phone or through our contact form.
Blood tests are ordered by the doctor as needed based on the patient’s symptoms and concerns. Occasionally alternate or additional tests may be required for accurate diagnosis.
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Taking a relaxed approach to your ESR test results is important. Rather than worrying excessively if they are abnormal, work with your doctor to determine the cause of your symptoms.
The doctor usually orders follow-up tests if they think your ESR results are high or low.
Elevated ESR is most commonly caused by conditions that cause inflammation but can also result from other health problems. Some examples of health issues that can elevate an ESR include:
- Infections
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Anaemia
- Kidney or thyroid disease
- Tissue injury or trauma
The normal range for an Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) blood test can vary significantly based on several factors, including age, sex, and lab factors. Generally, for men under 50, the normal range is typically 0-15 mm per hour (mm/hr), and for men over 50, it’s usually 0-20 mm/hr.
In women under 50, the normal range is often 0-20 mm/hr, and for those over 50, it’s 0-30 mm/hr. These ranges are only indicative and can differ. Higher values are more common in the elderly, and the ESR can be influenced by other factors such as pregnancy, anemia, and menstrual cycle.
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