MEDIVEERSETHE PRACTICAL HUB
Sedimentation tubes: located on the reference instrument. Compare its shape and position with the apparatus used in your practical.
Zoom in, then drag to inspect. Keyboard: + / − to zoom, arrows to pan, 0 to reset. Tap the numbered markers to explore parts.
ESR sedimentation apparatus — reference view
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ESR sedimentation apparatus
ESR rack · Westergren and Wintrobe principles
What is its use?
Measures the distance red cells settle in a specified time in anticoagulated blood.
Tap a number to locate its part. Zoom, drag or use full screen to inspect the reference. Models and graduations can differ; check the actual apparatus used in your laboratory.
How to recognise it.
- A rack supports upright sedimentation tubes
- A plasma/red-cell interface is visible after settling
- The exact tube geometry and scale depend on the ESR method
Westergren and Wintrobe methods use different tube geometry and sample preparation. This round-tube photograph demonstrates sedimentation; it is not a calibrated Westergren-pipette reference.
Point them out.
Choose a part to bring its numbered marker into view.
The science behind the reading.
Red cells sediment under gravity. Standardised tube geometry, sample preparation, time and vertical alignment are essential.
Think first. Then reveal.
Explain your answer aloud before opening it.
01What is reported in a conventional ESR test?+
The height of the clear plasma column after one hour, expressed as mm/hour.
02Why keep the tube vertical?+
Tilt changes sedimentation and may falsely increase the result.
03Does a raised ESR identify a specific disease?+
No. It is a nonspecific finding influenced by plasma proteins, red-cell characteristics and other factors.
04What promotes rouleaux formation?+
Plasma proteins such as fibrinogen can reduce repulsion between red cells and promote aggregation.
Read the references.
Teaching and clinical references are listed here. Image attribution and licence appear below the viewer.