ESR blood test in Chiswick

What the test measures

The ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube of blood over one hour. When there is inflammation, proteins such as fibrinogen increase in the blood and make red cells clump together, so they fall faster and the ESR rises. It is a non-specific marker: it shows that something may be going on, but not what or where.

Doctors often use the ESR with CRP (C-reactive protein). CRP changes quickly, while the ESR rises and falls more slowly, so the two together give a useful picture. ESR is particularly helpful in monitoring conditions such as polymyalgia rheumatica, giant cell arteritis and rheumatoid arthritis.

The price includes your sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the Randox accredited laboratory, a review of your result with an Omnia practitioner, and a GP feedback report on request.

Who it is for

• You have stiffness and aching in your shoulders, hips or neck, especially in the morning.
• You have joint pain or swelling and want to check for signs of inflammation.
• You have had a low-grade fever, night sweats or tiredness without a clear cause.
• You have an inflammatory condition and your clinician uses ESR to follow it.
• You would like a simple inflammation check as part of a wider health review.

Understanding your result

Your report shows your ESR in millimetres per hour with the laboratory reference range. Normal ESR tends to rise with age and is often a little higher in women. A raised ESR can be seen with infection, autoimmune and inflammatory conditions, anaemia, pregnancy, kidney disease and some other illnesses, so it is a general signal rather than a specific answer.

A normal ESR does not exclude all illness, and a raised one is a prompt for discussion, not a diagnosis. If you have a new headache with scalp tenderness, jaw pain when chewing or any change in your vision, contact your GP urgently or go to A&E, as this can be giant cell arteritis and needs same-day treatment.

Preparing for your test

There is no need to fast for an ESR. Some medicines, including steroids and anti-inflammatories, can lower the result, so mention anything you take regularly. If you have had a recent cold, injury or vaccination, tell us, because short-lived inflammation can raise the ESR for a few weeks.

If tiredness is part of the picture, a Full Blood Count checks for anaemia, which can raise the ESR, and the Standard Screen adds liver, kidney and other markers. You can find every blood test and price in Chiswick.

Questions

How much is an ESR blood test in Chiswick?

The ESR blood test is £39 at Omnia Lifestyle. This covers the blood sample at our Chiswick clinic, analysis at the accredited laboratory, a practitioner review, and a GP feedback report on request.

What is the difference between ESR and CRP?

Both reflect inflammation. CRP responds within hours and falls quickly, while ESR changes more slowly. Many clinicians use them together.

Can a high ESR mean something serious?

It can, but more often it reflects a common cause such as infection or anaemia. Your practitioner reads it with your symptoms and other tests to decide what, if anything, needs following up.

How often should ESR be checked?

For someone with an inflammatory condition, your specialist will advise. For a one-off concern, a single test with a repeat if it is raised is often enough.