Differences in erythrocyte sedimentation rates using the Westergren method and a centrifugation method.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Chemistry
• Hematology
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a common, nonspecific laboratory test.
• Elevated ESR indicates inflammation associated with various acute and chronic diseases.
• The Westergren method is the current standard for ESR measurement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare a novel centrifugation-based ESR method with the established Westergren method.
• To evaluate the performance of these methods across different ESR ranges and in specific pediatric populations.
• To identify discrepancies between the two ESR measurement techniques.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of a centrifugation ESR method (ESR STAT PLUS) with the Westergren method (Sediplast ESR system).
• Testing performed on pediatric blood samples across three ESR ranges (0-20, 21-60, >60 mm/h).
• Analysis included blood samples from pediatric patients with sickle cell disease.

Main Results:

• Correlation coefficients varied by ESR range (r=0.63, r=0.83, r=0.43).
• The centrifugation method yielded significantly higher ESR values in the 0-20 mm/h range.
• In sickle cell patients (n=39), the centrifugation ESR consistently exceeded the Westergren ESR (97% of cases; r=0.87).

Conclusions:

• Significant differences exist between centrifugation and Westergren ESR methods in pediatric populations.
• The centrifugation method shows a tendency to report higher ESR values, especially in lower ranges and in patients with conditions affecting rouleau formation.
• Clinical interpretation of ESR results may need adjustment based on the method used.