Rapid alternative methods for erythrocyte sedimentation rate measurement

Abstract

Backgrounds: Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measurement is the most widely used in laboratory test to assess an inflammation or acute phase response. Objectives: To introduce two rapid alternative methods for ESR measurement. Materials and methods: ESR was performed in 449 blood samples using Westergren, Wintrobe with centrifugation (Win-C) and capillary tube (Cap-C) with centrifugation methods. Results: Win-C and Cap-C methods were significantly correlated with Westergren method by using Spearman rank correlation. Both Win-C and Cap-C methods were demonstrated the good % of sensitivity, % of specificity, % of positive predictive value, % of negative predictive value and cut-off point by using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves analysis. Conclusion: Both methods demonstrated acceptable agreement with the conventional ESR measurements and appear to be a faster, easier and safety.

Keywords

• Erythrocyte sedimentation rate
• Westergren method
• Wintrobe with centrifugation
• capillary tube with centrifugation