Rapid Measurement of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Using a Tube Positioned at a 45° Angle Compared With the...

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Clinical Chemistry

Background:

• The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a vital hematological test for detecting inflammation.
• It is cost-effective and widely used in resource-limited settings like Ghana.
• The conventional 1-hour Westergren method can delay clinical results.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate a modified Westergren method for faster ESR results.
• To reduce the ESR test turnaround time without compromising accuracy.
• To evaluate the feasibility of a 45° tube positioning for ESR estimation.

Main Methods:

• An experimental analytical method comparison study involving 100 participants (50 pregnant, 50 healthy).
• Venous blood samples were collected and mixed with trisodium citrate anticoagulant (4:1 ratio).
• Two Westergren-Katz tubes per participant were used: one vertical (90°) and one at a 45° angle.

Main Results:

• ESR results from the 6th to 10th minute at 45° correlated with 1-hour results at 90° (p > 0.05).
• Bland-Altman analysis indicated optimal agreement at the 8th minute with 45° positioning.
• The 45° method showed minimal bias compared to the standard 90° method.

Conclusions:

• The ESR test turnaround time can be reduced to 8 minutes.
• Positioning the Westergren tube at a 45° angle is a viable method for rapid ESR determination.
• This modification offers a faster alternative for ESR testing in clinical settings.