Why it's done

Sed rate tests might be useful when evaluating unexplained fever, some types of arthritis and symptoms that affect your muscles. Also, they can help confirm a diagnosis of certain conditions, including:

• Giant cell arteritis
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Rheumatoid arthritis

A sed rate test can also help determine the severity of your inflammatory response and monitor the effect of treatment.

Because a sed rate test can't pinpoint the problem that's causing inflammation in your body, it's usually accompanied by other blood tests, such as the C-reactive protein (CRP) test.