Erythrocyte sedimentation rate-ESR (Westergren technique)

Value of test: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is A Non-specific test. It is raised in a wide range of infectious, inflammatory, degenerative, and malignant conditions associated with changes in plasma proteins particularly increases in fibrinogen, immunoglobulin’s, and C-reactive protein. The ESR is also affected by many other factors including anemia, pregnancy, haemoglobinopathies, haemo- concentration, and treatment with anti-inflammatory drugs.

Principle of the test: When a sample of venous blood is mixed with an appropriate anticoagulant & is allowed to stand in the Westergren or wintrobe tube in a vertical position, The red blood cell settle down below leaving plasma above. The fall is the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) .the reading is taken after an hour, and the ESR is expressed in mm in one hour.

 

Equipment/materials:-

1. Westergren ESR pipette

2. Westergren ESR stand

3. Timer capable of timing accurately 1 hour

4.Anticoagulant 3.8% sodium citrate solution.

5. Syringe & test tube for collection of blood.



Specimen: Venous blood

 

Test method:

1. At first take 0.4 ml of sodium citrate anticoagulant in a test tube.

2. Add 1.6 ml of venous blood or EDTA anticoagulated blood and mix well.

3. Using a safe suction method, draw the blood to the 0 mark of the WESTERGREN                 PIPETTE, avoiding air bubbles.

4. Place the tube in the rack perfectly in a upright vertical position with the “0” mark above.
    Set the timer for 1 hour

5. Take a reading at the end of the 1st hour. Read the marking at the lower end of the clear plasma. The ESR is expressed in mm in one hour.

Report:-If reading is 10

                         ESR  0-10mm in the First hour

ESR Westergren method