Haemoconcentration by gelatin-induced acceleration of erythrocyte sedimentation rate

Erythrocyte sedimentation rates from 40 suspensions of packed red blood cells in modified fluid gelatin, 4% albumin solution, 6% hydroxyethyl starch and normal saline were measured at room temperature using Westergren's method. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate was extremely high in gelatin and this increase was significant after 10-60 min when compared with the other fluids. Erythrocyte sedimentation rates in albumin, hydroxyethyl starch and normal saline were low and there were no differences between these fluids [erythrocyte sedimentation after 60 min, median (interquartile range): gelatin 128 (111.2-130.0) mm, albumin 2 (1.5-2.0) mm, hydroxyethyl starch 1.5 (1.0-1.6) mm, normal saline 2 (1.9-2.5) mm, p < 0.0001]. The addition of twice the volume of modified fluid gelatin to a volume of red blood cells leads to rapid acceleration of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. This is caused by increased erythrocyte aggregation, and in clinical practice this effect may be useful for the haemoconcentration of diluted blood from cardiopulmonary bypass circuits or cell-saver autotransfusion in paediatric surgery.