Abstract: In an improved method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) a pre-evacuated test tube (T) is used to collect a blood specimen. The tube (T) is made of a material such as glass or plastics and contains an anticoagulant agent. In order to facilitate mixing of the blood sample a surfactant such as an organosilicone fluid is provided in the tube (T) as an additive.

Abstract: A safety needle holder (2) includes a tubular housing (4) as well as a double-ended cannula (16) mounted within the housing (4) for slidably moving between an extended distal position, wherein the cannula (16) projects from the housing (4) and is exposed, e.g. for drawing blood, and a retracted proximal position, wherein the cannula (16) is safely located within the housing (4). An intermediate, pre-assembled position is provided between said distal and proximal positions, wherein the cannula (16) is located during assembly of the needle holder (2).

Abstract: In an improved method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) a pre-evacuated test tube (T) is used to collect a blood specimen. The tube (T) is made of a material such as glass or plastics and contains an anticoagulant agent. In order to facilitate mixing of the blood sample a surfactant such as an organo-silicone fluid is provided in the tube (T) as an additive.

Abstract: In an improved method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) a pre-evacuated test tube (T) is used to collect a blood specimen. The tube (T) is made of a material such as glass or plastics and contains an anticoagulant/mixing agent. For testing, the tube (T) is put into a rack (1) and loaded into an instrument which mixes the specimen briefly. An optical sensor (3) is used to record the location of the blood/air meniscus at initial time. At subsequent time intervals thereafter for periods up to 20 minutes or less, the optical sensor (3) identifies and measures the location of the cell/plasma interface (I) within an observation window constituting a minor portion of the overall length of the tube (T). The measured value is then converted by an algorithm (10, 11) to the value which would be obtained using the classical Westergren method.

Abstract: A safety needle holder (2) includes a tubular housing (4) as well as a double-ended cannula (16) mounted within the housing (4) for slidably moving between an extended distal position, wherein the cannula (16) projects from the housing (4) and is exposed, e.g., for drawing blood, and a retracted proximal position, wherein the cannula (16) is safely located within the housing (4). An intermediate, pre-assembled position is provided between said distal and proximal positions, wherein the cannula (16) is located during assembly of the needle holder (2).