Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (venous draw)
- Fasting: Not required
- Turn-around: 1-2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Simple inflammation screening – Detects systemic inflammation linked to autoimmune, infectious, or malignant conditions
- Gold-standard method – Uses Westergren technique, the most reliable ESR measurement approach
- No fasting needed – Convenient testing with minimal preparation requirements
- Monitor disease activity – Track inflammatory conditions and evaluate treatment effectiveness over time
Who Is This Test For?
- Individuals with unexplained joint pain, fever, or weight loss
- People monitoring known inflammatory or autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus
- Those with family history of autoimmune diseases seeking proactive screening
- Patients evaluating treatment response for chronic inflammatory disorders
- Anyone experiencing persistent symptoms suggesting systemic inflammation
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online – Select your test and complete a brief health questionnaire
- Visit a lab – Get your blood drawn at a convenient location near you
- Receive results – Access your confidential results online within 1–2 business days.
FAQ
What does the ESR test measure? It measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube, indicating inflammation levels (Cleveland Clinic 2025).
Is this test painful or complicated? No, it requires only a simple blood draw with no fasting or special preparation.
Can medications affect my ESR results? Yes, certain drugs, anemia, pregnancy, and infections can alter ESR independently of inflammation (NCBI 2025).
How soon will I get my results? Results are typically available within 1–3 business days after sample collection.
Do I need a doctor's order? No, you can order this test directly online without a physician referral.
What if my results are abnormal? Consult a healthcare provider to interpret results alongside your symptoms and medical history.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Sedimentation Rate Blood Test measures inflammation by detecting how fast red blood cells settle at the bottom of a specialized tube over one hour. When inflammation is present, increased blood proteins cause red blood cells to clump together and sink faster. This test helps diagnose and monitor conditions causing systemic inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, infections, certain cancers, and vasculitis. The Westergren method is considered the gold standard for ESR measurement (Mayo Clinic 2023).
Who would benefit from this test?
This test benefits individuals experiencing symptoms suggesting inflammatory conditions, such as persistent joint pain, unexplained fever, weight loss, or fatigue. People with diagnosed autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis or lupus use ESR to monitor disease activity and treatment effectiveness. It's elevated in over 70% of patients with active rheumatoid arthritis (Cleveland Clinic 2025). The test is also valuable for those with family history of autoimmune conditions who want proactive screening.
When should I order a Sedimentation Rate Blood Test, Westergren?
Order this test when screening for inflammation, monitoring disease progression in chronic inflammatory conditions, or evaluating treatment response. Consider testing if you experience headaches, fever, weight loss, joint stiffness, neck or shoulder pain, loss of appetite, or anemia. It's useful for ongoing monitoring of conditions like polymyalgia rheumatica, arteritis, inflammatory bowel disease, or systemic vasculitis.
How do I interpret the results?
ESR is reported in millimeters per hour (mm/hr). Normal values vary by age and sex:
Men under 50:
- Normal range: 0–15 mm/hr
- Meaning: Low inflammation risk
Women under 50:
- Normal range: 0–20 mm/hr
- Meaning: Low inflammation risk
Men over 50:
- Normal range: 0–20 mm/hr
- Meaning: Low inflammation risk
Women over 50:
- Normal range: 0–30 mm/hr
- Meaning: Low inflammation risk
Elevated (any age):
- Range: Above reference range
- Meaning: Suggests inflammation; requires clinical correlation
ESR is a non-specific marker—elevated results require correlation with symptoms, medical history, and additional testing for accurate diagnosis (NCBI 2025).
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
No fasting or special preparation is required. Blood is drawn by venipuncture into a sodium citrate or EDTA tube. Avoid vigorous exercise immediately before testing. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications, as some drugs may affect results. The sample must be handled gently and processed promptly for accurate measurement.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening for symptoms: one-time or as symptoms warrant
- Active inflammatory disease monitoring: every 3–6 months or per physician guidance
- Treatment response evaluation: 4–8 weeks after therapy adjustment
- Stable chronic condition: annually or per medical recommendation
Why early detection matters
Early identification of elevated ESR enables timely intervention for inflammatory conditions, potentially preventing complications and organ damage. ESR monitoring guides therapy effectiveness, often reducing complications and improving outcomes in inflammatory diseases (CDC 2025). Regular tracking helps distinguish disease flares from remission, allowing for personalized treatment adjustments. Detecting inflammation early supports better management of autoimmune diseases, infections, and certain malignancies.
Related tests you may consider
C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Blood Test, Quantitative - Measures CRP levels to detect and monitor inflammation caused by infections, autoimmune diseases, injuries, or chronic conditions, helping doctors assess treatment effectiveness and overall health.
Complete Blood Count (CBC) and Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP-14) Blood Test Panel - Used to diagnose and monitor health conditions by evaluating blood cells, liver and kidney function, and detecting diabetes.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA) Comprehensive Blood Test Panel - Detects antinuclear antibodies in the blood to screen for autoimmune disorders.
