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Doctor's Assessment Included

Every result includes a professional assessment from a BIG-registered doctor. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Inflammation

ESR blood test: what the erythrocyte sedimentation rate may show

ESR provides a broad inflammation check. Low inflammation supports better energy, recovery, and overall physical performance for men.

Reference Ranges

Male
mm/h
Normal < 15 High

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

What It Measures

This test measures the rate at which red blood cells settle over one hour. Inflammation causes proteins to increase in the blood, making red blood cells clump and settle faster.

Why It Matters

ESR is a non-specific marker that can indicate the presence and intensity of inflammation. It is useful for monitoring inflammatory diseases and infections. Consult your healthcare provider for result interpretation.

When to Test

Testing may be recommended when investigating unexplained fever, joint pain, muscle aches, or to monitor conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis or temporal arteritis.

Symptoms

Low Levels

A very low ESR is generally normal. In rare cases, extremely low rates may be associated with certain blood conditions. Your healthcare provider can advise.

High Levels

Elevated ESR may be associated with infections, autoimmune conditions, tissue injury, or certain cancers. Symptoms depend on the underlying cause.

Recommendations

Male

If Low

Low ESR is normal and indicates no active inflammation.

If High

Elevated ESR indicates inflammation. Consider further evaluation for the underlying cause.

Lifestyle Tips

Address underlying causes of inflammation through a healthy diet, regular exercise, stress management, and adequate sleep. Work with your healthcare provider on any persistent elevation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between ESR and CRP?
Both measure inflammation, but CRP rises and falls more quickly. ESR changes more slowly and can indicate chronic inflammation. They are often tested together for a fuller picture.
Can age affect ESR?
Yes, ESR tends to increase slightly with age. Your healthcare provider will consider your age when interpreting results.
Is ESR a definitive diagnosis?
No, ESR is a non-specific marker. It indicates inflammation is present but cannot determine the cause. Additional tests are needed for diagnosis.