Sedimentationsröhrchen

Sedimentationsröhrchen, also known as sedimentation tubes or ESR tubes, are specialized laboratory glassware used to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The ESR is a common blood test that indicates the level of inflammation in the body. These tubes are typically narrow, graduated glass or plastic cylinders, closed at one end and open at the other. They are designed to hold a specific volume of anticoagulated blood, usually 1.5 or 3 milliliters. The markings on the tube allow for precise measurement of the distance the red blood cells settle over a set period, most commonly one hour.

The principle behind the ESR test is that in the presence of inflammation, certain proteins, particularly fibrinogen, accumulate in the blood. These proteins cause red blood cells to clump together, forming rouleaux, which are more dense and settle faster than individual red blood cells. A sedimentationsröhrchen is filled with a blood sample treated with an anticoagulant, such as sodium citrate or EDTA, to prevent clotting. The tube is then placed in a vertical rack, allowing gravity to act on the blood. After one hour, the distance in millimeters that the red blood cells have settled from the plasma surface is measured. A higher sedimentation rate suggests a greater degree of inflammation, although the ESR is a non-specific test and can be elevated for various reasons. Sedimentation tubes are a crucial component in laboratories for routine diagnostic procedures.