An ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) tube is a specialized blood collection tube used to measure the rate at which red blood cells settle in a vertical column over an hour. These tubes are used to detect and monitor inflammation in the body.
Key Specifications:
- Anticoagulant: Typically contains 3.2% or 3.8% buffered sodium citrate.
- Ratio: Uses exactly a 4:1 ratio of blood to sodium citrate.
- Tube Color: Black-capped vacuum tubes.
- Methodology: Standardized for the Westergren method, where blood is drawn into a calibrated pipet or tube marked from 0 to 200 mm.
