Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
A blood test called an ESR, or erythrocyte sedimentation rate, gauges how quickly red blood cells (RBCs) accumulate at the base of a tube containing a blood sample. The test is frequently used to aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory diseases like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Requirements: A blood sample collected in an 3.8% trisodium citrate tube A Westergren tube with a calibrated scale A timer or stopwatch Proper disposal system for bio hazardous materials Principles: The ESR calculates the rate at which RBCs accumulate in a column of blood that has undergone anticoagulation. In order to stop blood from clotting, an anticoagulant solution is added to the blood before it is collected into an EDTA tube. After then, the tube is turned upright to give the RBCs time to settle, red cells aggregate, stack together to form rouleaux, and sediment through the plasma . The ESR is a measurement and a record of how far the RBCs have dropped during a given period. Pr...