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ESR vs hsCRP: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between ESR and hsCRP to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
While both ESR and HSCRP are important health markers, they serve different purposes in diagnostics. This comparison outlines when to use each test and what insights they offer.
What is ESR?
ESR is commonly used to detect inflammation or disease activity. It responds quickly to physiological changes.
What is HSCRP?
HSCRP is another indicator of health status, often tracking slower or more chronic issues.
Comparison Table
Feature | ESR | HSCRP |
|---|---|---|
Primary Function | ESR plays a key role in inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HSCRP monitors physiological changes, both acute and chronic. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Elevated ESR can indicate infection or autoimmune flare-ups. | Abnormal HSCRP levels are linked to chronic disease or inflammation. |
Speed of Response | Responds quickly (within hours). | May take 24–48 hours to reflect changes. |
Specificity | Relatively specific for inflammatory pathways. | Can be affected by non-disease factors (e.g., age, stress). |
Clinical Use | Used for monitoring infections and treatment response. | Helps evaluate chronic inflammatory conditions. |
Measurement Units | mg/L or ng/mL, depending on the lab. | mm/hr or equivalent lab standard. |
Normal Range | Lab-dependent; usually < 5 mg/L. | Lab-dependent; generally 0–20 mm/hr. |
Best Use Case | Tracking disease activity or acute inflammation. | Broad overview in chronic symptom evaluation. |
Clinical Use Cases
ESR is typically requested for infections, inflammation, or monitoring treatment response. HSCRP might be included in broader panels for autoimmune or chronic symptoms.
Pros and Limitations
ESR: Quick to change, but may be too sensitive.
HSCRP: Slower to respond but useful in long-term tracking.
Which Test Should You Choose?
If you need fast insight into inflammation or infection, go with ESR. For chronic conditions or to confirm subtle trends, HSCRP may be more useful.
Using Both Together
Many clinicians use both tests to get a complete picture — ESR for rapid insights and HSCRP for broader context.
When to Test
Testing is appropriate when dealing with inflammation, unexplained symptoms, or routine monitoring of a chronic condition.
FAQs
Should I fast? Usually not necessary, but follow doctor’s advice.
Can stress affect results? Yes, stress, illness, or medications can influence readings.
How often should I test? It depends on your condition — discuss with your provider.
ESR vs hsCRP: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between ESR and hsCRP to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
While both ESR and HSCRP are important health markers, they serve different purposes in diagnostics. This comparison outlines when to use each test and what insights they offer.
What is ESR?
ESR is commonly used to detect inflammation or disease activity. It responds quickly to physiological changes.
What is HSCRP?
HSCRP is another indicator of health status, often tracking slower or more chronic issues.
Comparison Table
Feature | ESR | HSCRP |
|---|---|---|
Primary Function | ESR plays a key role in inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HSCRP monitors physiological changes, both acute and chronic. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Elevated ESR can indicate infection or autoimmune flare-ups. | Abnormal HSCRP levels are linked to chronic disease or inflammation. |
Speed of Response | Responds quickly (within hours). | May take 24–48 hours to reflect changes. |
Specificity | Relatively specific for inflammatory pathways. | Can be affected by non-disease factors (e.g., age, stress). |
Clinical Use | Used for monitoring infections and treatment response. | Helps evaluate chronic inflammatory conditions. |
Measurement Units | mg/L or ng/mL, depending on the lab. | mm/hr or equivalent lab standard. |
Normal Range | Lab-dependent; usually < 5 mg/L. | Lab-dependent; generally 0–20 mm/hr. |
Best Use Case | Tracking disease activity or acute inflammation. | Broad overview in chronic symptom evaluation. |
Clinical Use Cases
ESR is typically requested for infections, inflammation, or monitoring treatment response. HSCRP might be included in broader panels for autoimmune or chronic symptoms.
Pros and Limitations
ESR: Quick to change, but may be too sensitive.
HSCRP: Slower to respond but useful in long-term tracking.
Which Test Should You Choose?
If you need fast insight into inflammation or infection, go with ESR. For chronic conditions or to confirm subtle trends, HSCRP may be more useful.
Using Both Together
Many clinicians use both tests to get a complete picture — ESR for rapid insights and HSCRP for broader context.
When to Test
Testing is appropriate when dealing with inflammation, unexplained symptoms, or routine monitoring of a chronic condition.
FAQs
Should I fast? Usually not necessary, but follow doctor’s advice.
Can stress affect results? Yes, stress, illness, or medications can influence readings.
How often should I test? It depends on your condition — discuss with your provider.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
ESR vs hsCRP: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between ESR and hsCRP to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
While both ESR and HSCRP are important health markers, they serve different purposes in diagnostics. This comparison outlines when to use each test and what insights they offer.
What is ESR?
ESR is commonly used to detect inflammation or disease activity. It responds quickly to physiological changes.
What is HSCRP?
HSCRP is another indicator of health status, often tracking slower or more chronic issues.
Comparison Table
Feature | ESR | HSCRP |
|---|---|---|
Primary Function | ESR plays a key role in inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HSCRP monitors physiological changes, both acute and chronic. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Elevated ESR can indicate infection or autoimmune flare-ups. | Abnormal HSCRP levels are linked to chronic disease or inflammation. |
Speed of Response | Responds quickly (within hours). | May take 24–48 hours to reflect changes. |
Specificity | Relatively specific for inflammatory pathways. | Can be affected by non-disease factors (e.g., age, stress). |
Clinical Use | Used for monitoring infections and treatment response. | Helps evaluate chronic inflammatory conditions. |
Measurement Units | mg/L or ng/mL, depending on the lab. | mm/hr or equivalent lab standard. |
Normal Range | Lab-dependent; usually < 5 mg/L. | Lab-dependent; generally 0–20 mm/hr. |
Best Use Case | Tracking disease activity or acute inflammation. | Broad overview in chronic symptom evaluation. |
Clinical Use Cases
ESR is typically requested for infections, inflammation, or monitoring treatment response. HSCRP might be included in broader panels for autoimmune or chronic symptoms.
Pros and Limitations
ESR: Quick to change, but may be too sensitive.
HSCRP: Slower to respond but useful in long-term tracking.
Which Test Should You Choose?
If you need fast insight into inflammation or infection, go with ESR. For chronic conditions or to confirm subtle trends, HSCRP may be more useful.
Using Both Together
Many clinicians use both tests to get a complete picture — ESR for rapid insights and HSCRP for broader context.
When to Test
Testing is appropriate when dealing with inflammation, unexplained symptoms, or routine monitoring of a chronic condition.
FAQs
Should I fast? Usually not necessary, but follow doctor’s advice.
Can stress affect results? Yes, stress, illness, or medications can influence readings.
How often should I test? It depends on your condition — discuss with your provider.
Mito Health: Helping you live healthier, longer.
In-depth bloodwork & holistic health advice, backed by the latest longevity science. Only $399.
ESR vs hsCRP: Key Differences Explained
Discover the differences between ESR and hsCRP to understand their health implications.

Written by
Mito Team

Introduction
While both ESR and HSCRP are important health markers, they serve different purposes in diagnostics. This comparison outlines when to use each test and what insights they offer.
What is ESR?
ESR is commonly used to detect inflammation or disease activity. It responds quickly to physiological changes.
What is HSCRP?
HSCRP is another indicator of health status, often tracking slower or more chronic issues.
Comparison Table
Feature | ESR | HSCRP |
|---|---|---|
Primary Function | ESR plays a key role in inflammation, immunity, or metabolism. | HSCRP monitors physiological changes, both acute and chronic. |
Diagnostic Relevance | Elevated ESR can indicate infection or autoimmune flare-ups. | Abnormal HSCRP levels are linked to chronic disease or inflammation. |
Speed of Response | Responds quickly (within hours). | May take 24–48 hours to reflect changes. |
Specificity | Relatively specific for inflammatory pathways. | Can be affected by non-disease factors (e.g., age, stress). |
Clinical Use | Used for monitoring infections and treatment response. | Helps evaluate chronic inflammatory conditions. |
Measurement Units | mg/L or ng/mL, depending on the lab. | mm/hr or equivalent lab standard. |
Normal Range | Lab-dependent; usually < 5 mg/L. | Lab-dependent; generally 0–20 mm/hr. |
Best Use Case | Tracking disease activity or acute inflammation. | Broad overview in chronic symptom evaluation. |
Clinical Use Cases
ESR is typically requested for infections, inflammation, or monitoring treatment response. HSCRP might be included in broader panels for autoimmune or chronic symptoms.
Pros and Limitations
ESR: Quick to change, but may be too sensitive.
HSCRP: Slower to respond but useful in long-term tracking.
Which Test Should You Choose?
If you need fast insight into inflammation or infection, go with ESR. For chronic conditions or to confirm subtle trends, HSCRP may be more useful.
Using Both Together
Many clinicians use both tests to get a complete picture — ESR for rapid insights and HSCRP for broader context.
When to Test
Testing is appropriate when dealing with inflammation, unexplained symptoms, or routine monitoring of a chronic condition.
FAQs
Should I fast? Usually not necessary, but follow doctor’s advice.
Can stress affect results? Yes, stress, illness, or medications can influence readings.
How often should I test? It depends on your condition — discuss with your provider.
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What's included

Comprehensive lab testing (Core)
100+ biomarkers - Test at 2,000+ labs nationwide

In-depth health insights & action plan
Expert designed recommendations across exercise, nutrition, and supplements

1:1 Consultation
Meet with your dedicated care team to review your results and define next steps

Lifetime health record tracking
Upload past labs and monitor your progress over time

Biological age analysis
See how your body is aging and what’s driving it

Order add-on tests and scans anytime
Access to advanced diagnostics at discounted rates for members
Concierge-level care, made accessible.
Cyber Monday. Save $75.
Codeveloped with experts at MIT & Stanford
Less than $1/ day
Billed annually - cancel anytime
Bundle options:
Individual
$399
$324
/year
or 4 interest-free payments of $87.25*
Duo Bundle (For 2)
$798
$668
/year
or 4 interest-free payments of $167*
Pricing for members in NY, NJ & RI may vary.

Checkout with HSA/FSA
Secure, private platform
Cyber Monday Deal
What's included

Comprehensive lab testing (Core)
100+ biomarkers - Test at 2,000+ labs nationwide

In-depth health insights & action plan
Expert designed recommendations across exercise, nutrition, and supplements

1:1 Consultation
Meet with your dedicated care team to review your results and define next steps

Lifetime health record tracking
Upload past labs and monitor your progress over time

Biological age analysis
See how your body is aging and what’s driving it

Order add-on tests and scans anytime
Access to advanced diagnostics at discounted rates for members
Concierge-level care, made accessible.
Cyber Monday. Save $75.
Codeveloped with experts at MIT & Stanford
Less than $1/ day
Billed annually - cancel anytime
Bundle options:
Individual
$399
$324
/year
or 4 payments of $87.25*
Duo Bundle
(For 2)
$798
$668
/year
or 4 payments of $167*
Pricing for members in NY, NJ & RI may vary.

Checkout with HSA/FSA
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