A rapid method to estimate Westergren sedimentation rates.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a widely used, albeit slow, diagnostic test.
• Conventional ESR testing requires a 60-minute settling period, limiting its rapid clinical application.
• There is a need for faster methods to assess inflammation and monitor patient responses.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce and validate a novel method for predicting human Westergren ESR.
• To utilize a computerized tube viscometer for rapid ESR estimation.
• To assess the correlation of the new method with conventional ESR and RBC aggregation.

Main Methods:

• A commercially available computerized tube viscometer was adapted for blood viscosity measurement.
• Blood samples from 119 subjects were analyzed.
• A sedimentation index (SI) was calculated from viscosity data and correlated with Westergren ESR and RBC aggregation indices.

Main Results:

• The novel method accurately predicted Westergren ESR values with a strong correlation (R²=0.92).
• A close association was observed between the sedimentation index (SI) and RBC aggregation indices (R²=0.71).
• The SI determination was rapid (as little as 4 minutes), required minimal training, and posed minimal biohazard risk.

Conclusions:

• Computerized tube viscometry offers a rapid and accurate prediction of ESR.
• This novel method allows for quicker screening of elevated ESR and monitoring of therapeutic responses.
• The technique holds promise for improving the efficiency of hematological assessments in clinical settings.