Quick highlights
- Westergren method—standardized ESR measurement
- Supports assessment of inflammation patterns (non-specific marker)
- Helpful for tracking trends over time rather than single readings
- Often paired with CRP for a clearer inflammation picture
- No fasting required; simple blood draw
- Anemia and pregnancy can influence ESR—interpret carefully
- Used in prolonged fever and joint pain workups under clinician care
- Results must be correlated with symptoms and other tests
- Home blood collection available in many service areas
- SEO coverage: ESR Westergren test, sedimentation rate blood test, inflammation marker test
What’s included
Preparation
- Book blood draw (home or lab)
- No fasting required
- Stay normally hydrated
- Inform clinician about recent infections, anemia, pregnancy, or ongoing treatment
- Collect EDTA blood sample via trained phlebotomist
- Avoid intense exercise immediately before sample if feasible
- Download report from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>
- Review with clinician; consider CRP/CBC if advised
FAQs
A blood test measuring how quickly red blood cells settle, used as a non-specific marker of inflammation.
No.
No. CRP often changes faster; clinicians may order both for better interpretation.
Not necessarily. ESR can rise in infection, inflammation, anemia, pregnancy, and other conditions; interpretation is clinical.
Yes. A normal ESR does not exclude disease; clinicians interpret with symptoms and other tests.
Anemia, pregnancy, age, and some chronic conditions can affect ESR.
Often same day or within 24 hours.
EDTA whole blood.
Yes in many serviceable areas.
Trends can be useful; repeat testing is clinician-directed.
No. It supports evaluation and monitoring; diagnosis requires clinical assessment and sometimes imaging.
CRP, CBC, and specific autoimmune markers depending on symptoms.
Download from <a href='/my-account/'>View reports</a>.
If you have high fever, severe pain, or rapid worsening symptoms, seek medical care promptly.
Notes
ESR is nonspecific and supports inflammation assessment.
