Medichecks Inflammation & autoimmunity

ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) Blood Test

This blood test measures ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate), a general marker of inflammation linked to infections and autoimmune conditions. It suits people investigating unexplained inflammatory symptoms as a starting point rather than a diagnosis.

  • Doctor reviewed
Sample
Blood
Collection
In-store clinic
Results in
4 days
Biomarkers
1
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Tests for
  • ESR

Test specifications

Provider
Medichecks
Sample type
blood
Collection method
in-store clinic
Turnaround time
4 days
Biomarkers tested
1
At-home test
No
Doctor reviewed
Yes
Gender focus
Both

What's tested

1 biomarker as listed by Medichecks.

Inflammation

  • ESR

About this test

ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube; a raised result is a general sign of inflammation and can be seen in infections, autoimmune conditions and a range of other illnesses. It is a single, non-specific marker, so on its own it points to inflammation being present rather than identifying its cause.

Medichecks does not list a named comparison group for this test, but against the wider set of inflammation tests we track, this single marker sits toward the lower end for clinical depth, while its £59 price is well below the typical cost of similarly sized inflammation tests.

The below-average price against a single marker drives a strong value-for-money score, while clinical depth scores more modestly because it is only one marker. Collection convenience is held back because the sample cannot be posted and must be given as a venous draw at a clinic, and it scores well for clarity and documentation, because the listing spells out the collection restriction, sample type and turnaround, and for results and follow-up, since a doctor reviews every result.

Who is it for?

This suits you if you have unexplained symptoms that could point to inflammation, such as joint pain, fatigue or recurring low-grade illness, and you want a quick, low-cost first check rather than a full autoimmune panel. It will not tell you what is causing any inflammation it finds, so treat it as a starting point to discuss with a doctor rather than an answer in itself. Because the sample must be collected at Medichecks' Inuvi Clinic in London and cannot be posted, it will suit you less well if you cannot get to that specific location.

How it works

You need to visit Medichecks' Inuvi Clinic in London for a venous blood draw, since the sample for this test is not suitable for posting; no at-home or nurse-visit collection is offered. Results are typically ready within 4 days, and every result is reviewed by a doctor before you receive it.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • At £59, about a third below the £89 median for similarly sized inflammation tests we track.
  • Simple, quick way to check a general inflammation marker.
  • Every result is reviewed by a doctor.

Cons

  • Sample must be collected in person at Medichecks' Inuvi Clinic in London; it cannot be posted.
  • No at-home or home nurse-visit option, unlike most other Medichecks blood tests.
  • Single marker only, so it cannot identify the cause of any raised result.

Our editorial score

Compare Health Test Score Single-marker ESR test, London clinic visit only
Editorial confidence: 10.0/10

A single ESR reading is what this test provides, a general indicator of inflammation seen in infections and autoimmune conditions. At £59 it costs about a third below the £89 median for similarly sized inflammation tests we track, but the sample can only be collected at Medichecks' Inuvi Clinic in London because it is not suitable for posting. That collection restriction is the main trade-off against its low price.

Score breakdown

  • Clarity and documentation 8.0/10

    The listing publishes a short description, the full biomarker list, a stated turnaround, clear collection options, the sample type; it does not state what the report looks like.

  • Clinical depth 6.4/10

    1 biomarkers, placing it in the 32nd percentile of inflammation tests we track.

  • Collection convenience 4.0/10

    Requires a visit to a clinic; results in around 4 days, in line with or faster than similar tests.

  • Results and follow-up 7.0/10

    Results are reviewed by a doctor; the provider does not describe the report format.

  • Trust signals 9.5/10

    Trustpilot 4.5 from 2,477 reviews; accredited lab (UKAS ISO 15189 partner labs); doctor review as standard; trading 25+ years.

  • Value for money 8.2/10

    £59.00 against a median of £89.00 for the 26 similarly sized inflammation tests we track (-34%).

Calculated 13 September 2026 from the facts we hold about this test and provider, using our published scoring formula. Scores are not hand-edited.

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