Understanding the ESR Test: Tube Type, Anticoagulant, and Pricing Insights

The Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) test is a common blood test used to detect inflammation in the body. It measures the rate at which red blood cells settle at the bottom of a test tube over a specified period. Although it doesn’t diagnose a specific condition, it helps physicians monitor or detect inflammatory activity associated with infections, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. This article explores important aspects of the ESR test, including the ESR test tube, the anticoagulant used, the tube name, және ESR tube price.

What Tube is Used for ESR Test?

For accurate ESR test results, the correct blood collection tube must be used. The ESR test tube is typically a Westergren tube, which is specifically designed for this type of measurement. The Westergren method is the most commonly used and recommended technique for performing ESR tests.

The tube used for ESR test is a long, vertical, graduated tube that allows the clear measurement of red blood cell sedimentation. The blood sample, once mixed with an appropriate anticoagulant, is placed in the ESR tube and left undisturbed in a vertical position for one hour. The distance that red blood cells fall in the tube, measured in millimeters, indicates the sedimentation rate.

In some laboratories, a specialized ESR vacuum tube may be used, which is designed to match automated ESR analyzers. These tubes also support proper mixing and reading, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

Anticoagulant Used in ESR Tube

A critical component of the ESR test process is the anticoagulant used in ESR tube. Anticoagulants prevent the blood from clotting, which is essential to allow the red cells to sediment properly. The most commonly used anticoagulant in ESR tubes is Sodium Citrate.

Specifically, a 3.8% sodium citrate solution is mixed with the blood sample in a 4:1 ratio (four parts blood to one part citrate). This ensures the blood remains fluid long enough to carry out an accurate ESR reading. It's important to mix the blood and citrate gently and thoroughly to avoid clotting or erroneous results.

Using the correct anticoagulant is essential. Other anticoagulants like EDTA or heparin are not suitable for ESR testing because they can alter sedimentation rates and yield inaccurate readings.

ESR Tube Name and Price

The ESR tube name commonly refers to Westergren ESR tubes, which can be either glass or plastic and are often used with manual or automated ESR systems. Some popular commercial names for these tubes include BD Vacutainer ESR Tubes, Greiner Bio-One ESR Tubes, және DISPOSAFE ESR tubes. These tubes are pre-filled with the correct volume of sodium citrate and are designed for single-use to ensure hygiene and safety.

When it comes to the ESR tube price, several factors can influence the cost, including:

Brand and manufacturer

Packaging size (e.g., box of 100 or 500)

Material (glass or plastic)

Compatibility with automation systems

On average, the price of ESR tubes ranges from $0.10 to $0.50 per tube. Bulk purchases or institutional orders may attract discounts. Laboratories should ensure that the tubes purchased meet international standards for ESR testing and are compatible with their processing systems.

In summary, performing an ESR test accurately requires understanding the proper equipment and procedures. The ESR test utilizes a specific tube—the Westergren ESR tube—which must contain the correct anticoagulant, namely 3.8% sodium citrate. Recognizing the proper ESR tube name and being aware of the ESR tube price allows laboratories to plan and execute tests efficiently while maintaining budget control.

For medical professionals and laboratory technicians, ensuring the correct selection and usage of ESR tubes is essential to produce reliable and clinically useful results.