Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR or sed rate)

The ESR blood test has been used for years to detect diseases associated with inflammation, such as an infection, an autoimmune disease, heart disease or cancer.  ESR is also increased in pregnancy or with rheumatoid arthritis.  Because the sed rate can be affected by other conditions besides inflammation, the ESR is typically prescribed with other tests to determine the cause of the inflammation.