The ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Blood Test measures how quickly red blood cells (erythrocytes) settle at the bottom of a test tube in one hour. When inflammation is present, certain proteins (like fibrinogen) increase in the blood, causing red blood cells to clump and settle faster — resulting in a higher ESR.

ESR is a widely used, non-specific marker of inflammation. It does not diagnose a single disease by itself, but it helps doctors detect and monitor inflammation related to autoimmune disorders, infections, cancers, and chronic inflammatory diseases when interpreted with symptoms, history, and other lab tests.

At MCV Blood test in Houston, TX, we provide accurate ESR testing with reliable turnaround time. Your report supports physicians in evaluating ongoing inflammation and tracking how well treatment is working over time.

The ESR Blood Test is commonly used as a screening and monitoring tool for inflammation. It helps doctors assess conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, vasculitis, inflammatory bowel disease, and long-term infections.

ESR is especially helpful for tracking disease activity and response to therapy. When inflammation reduces with effective treatment, ESR often improves, making it a practical test for follow-up in chronic inflammatory disorders.

Doctors frequently interpret ESR together with CRP (C-reactive protein), CBC, autoimmune markers, and imaging results to build a complete clinical picture.

High ESR: Often indicates inflammation from autoimmune disease, infection, inflammatory bowel disease, vasculitis, kidney disease, or certain cancers. ESR can also rise in anemia and pregnancy, so interpretation depends on context.

Normal ESR: Can be normal even if disease exists, especially in early stages. That is why doctors often combine ESR with CRP, CBC, and clinical findings.

Important: ESR is a non-specific test. It cannot identify the exact cause of inflammation by itself. Always interpret ESR with symptoms, physical examination, and additional lab tests.

Note: Different labs use different analyzers and reference ranges. Your report from MCV Blood test will include the lab’s reference interval for accurate comparison.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): ESR is commonly elevated during active joint inflammation. Regular ESR monitoring helps track response to disease-modifying therapy and flare intensity.

Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): ESR can rise during lupus flares. Doctors often compare ESR with CRP and clinical symptoms to guide treatment adjustments.

Infections (Chronic or Severe): ESR may increase in persistent bacterial infections, tuberculosis, or long-term inflammatory infections, supporting further investigations.

Temporal Arteritis / Polymyalgia Rheumatica: ESR is a key test in suspected cases, especially when symptoms include headaches, scalp tenderness, vision problems, or severe muscle pain.

Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): ESR can help evaluate inflammation in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis along with stool markers and imaging.

Kidney & Chronic Disease Inflammation: Chronic kidney disease and other long-term illnesses may elevate ESR, supporting monitoring of ongoing inflammation.

Cancer & Inflammatory Malignancy Monitoring: ESR can be elevated in some cancers and is sometimes used as a supportive marker during ongoing evaluation.

Vasculitis & Systemic Inflammation: ESR helps measure overall inflammatory burden in blood vessel inflammation disorders.

Post-Treatment Follow-Up: ESR trends over time can show whether inflammation is improving or returning, especially in autoimmune and infection recovery cases.