ESR
A simple, general marker of inflammation in the body.
TypeBlood test
HowStandard blood draw.
How oftenWhen symptoms suggest inflammation.
BeforeNo preparation.
WhoPeople with joint pain, stiffness or unexplained symptoms.
Is there inflammation somewhere?
ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube. Inflammation makes them clump and fall faster. It shows inflammation is present - not where or why.
Non-specific
“What’s causing it?”
Infection, autoimmune disease, anemia and age can all raise it.
Clue
Paired with CRP
“Is there a faster marker?”
CRP rises and falls sooner, so they’re often checked together.
Pair
Tracking
“Is treatment working?”
Useful for some conditions, like polymyalgia.
Monitor
Is it right for you?
Worth considering if…
- You have joint pain or stiffness.
- You have unexplained fevers or weight loss.
- You’re 50+ with new headaches, scalp tenderness or jaw pain when chewing.
A better option if…
- You want heart-related inflammation - hs-CRP is more specific.
How it’s measured
Lab blood draw
Often done with CRP.
The full picture
What is it?
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
What type of test is it?
A blood biomarker.
What does it measure?
How quickly red blood cells settle in a tube.
Why might someone consider it?
To detect inflammation.
Who is it most relevant for?
People with inflammatory symptoms.
How is it performed?
A blood draw.
How often might it be considered?
When needed.
What can the result help you understand?
Whether inflammation is present.
What are its limitations?
Not specific; rises with age, anemia and pregnancy.
What should it be viewed with?
CRP, symptoms and specific tests.
Where to get it
Through your provider
The simplest route - often covered when there’s a clear reason.
Lab services
e.g. Quest Diagnostics, Labcorp.
Direct-to-consumer panels
e.g. Function Health, InsideTracker.
Names are examples only, not endorsements. Your provider can often order the same test - and help interpret it.
Connected to
Questions to ask your provider
- Is my ESR raised for my age?
Ziva Health
One test is a snapshot. Ziva shows the whole story.
Ziva brings your lab results, wearables and daily readings together - and Isabella tells you what’s changing and what to ask your provider next.
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Is your provider not on Ziva yet? Send them a link in under a minute - once they join, they’ll see your ESR result alongside your other trends and get alerts directly.
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Bring your Ziva 30-day report to your next appointment - your ESR result and daily trends in one view, so the conversation starts with the full picture.
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Being listed doesn’t mean everyone needs this test. Educational only — not medical advice. Results should be interpreted with a qualified clinician. ← Back to Know What to Test