Can this result diagnose a condition on its own?

No. Laboratory results are interpreted with symptoms, medical history, specimen conditions and related tests.

Which reference range should I use?

Start with the performing laboratory's own reference interval; clinical cutoffs, when relevant, are separate sourced thresholds used for a specific purpose.

When should I discuss the result with a healthcare professional?

Results that are clearly outside range, persistent, symptomatic or unexpected should be reviewed by a healthcare professional.

Information about a laboratory test

ESR: What Does This Test Measure?

The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over a defined period.

Test summary

Test name: ESR
Abbreviations: ESR, Sed rate
Category: Inflammation / Hematology
Panel: Inflammation Assessment
Specimen: Whole blood
Common units: mm/h

What does the test measure?

The ESR test measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over a defined period.

Why is the test ordered?

It is ordered to assess whether inflammation may be present, monitor inflammatory or infectious conditions, and add context to other clinical findings.

Information about a low result

A low value is usually not interpreted as a clinical problem by itself; the purpose of testing and laboratory context matter.

Information about a high result

A high ESR may be associated with inflammation but is nonspecific; age, anemia and other biological factors can also affect the result.

Reference and clinical context

Start with the performing laboratory's reference interval, unit, specimen type and method. Numeric information on this page is stored as sourced example intervals or clinical thresholds.

Reference ranges may vary by laboratory, method used, age, sex, pregnancy status, and clinical context. The reference range on your own laboratory report takes precedence.

Interpretation notes

ESR is nonspecific and behaves differently from CRP. Age, anemia, red-cell characteristics and pregnancy can affect the result.

Related specialties

Internal Medicine
Rheumatology
Infectious Diseases
Hematology

Frequently asked questions

More information about this test

ESR: High Result: What Does It Mean?

Sources

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) Test — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2025 · CRP testing, inflammation and nonspecific interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026
Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) — U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus)
Government medical reference · 2024 · ESR testing and nonspecific inflammation interpretation · Verified: Aug 12, 2026