Results. Despite the critical role cytokines have in inflammatory conditions, the ESR still maintains its important role in the diagnosisand follow-up of rheumatoid arthritis and temporal arteritis. Recently, ESR hasbeen reported to be of clinical significance in sickle cell disease, osteomyelitis, and, surprisingly, in non-inflammatory conditions such as stroke, coronary artery disease, and prostate cancer. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate measured by the Westergren method is marginally affected by age, race, and blood storage.