ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Test

Doctors typically order an ESR test when investigating symptoms such as:

• Unexplained joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
• Persistent low-grade fever without an obvious cause
• Unexplained and unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue that doesn't improve with rest
• Suspected autoimmune or rheumatologic disease
• Monitoring a known inflammatory condition over time

Because ESR is inexpensive and easy to perform, it's frequently used as a first-line screening test before moving on to more specific and costly investigations.