The colour of the tube used for erythrocyte sedimentation price (ESR) testing is often black, containing sodium citrate as an anticoagulant. This particular additive maintains a ratio of 1 half citrate to 4 components blood, essential for correct outcomes. Different blood assessments might make the most of in another way coloured tubes with various anticoagulants, every suited to particular analyses.
Right tube choice is crucial for dependable ESR outcomes. Utilizing an incorrect additive or ratio can alter the sedimentation course of, resulting in deceptive medical interpretations. The standardized black-topped tube ensures consistency and comparability throughout totally different laboratories and time factors, supporting correct illness monitoring and analysis. Traditionally, Westergren and Wintrobe strategies have been employed, with standardized strategies bettering consequence accuracy and reliability over time.
