Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, or ESR
What is it? An ESR is a blood test that measures the level of inflammation in the body. It can help to tell the difference between an inflammatory condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, and a noninflammatory condition, such as osteoarthritis.
What the results show. ESR levels tend to rise with age. If the level is extremely high, it may indicate the presence of infection, cancer, tissue death, or a body-wide, inflammatory illness, such as rheumatoid arthritis.