What is the difference between CBC and ESR tests?

A CBC (Complete Blood Count) test measures various blood components, including red blood cells (RBC), white blood cells (WBC), hemoglobin, hematocrit, and platelets, to assess overall health. In contrast, the ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test measures how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube. A faster-than-normal sedimentation rate may indicate inflammation, infection, or autoimmune disorders. While a CBC gives a snapshot of blood health, ESR provides insight into inflammatory conditions, and the two tests are often used together to give a comprehensive view of your health.