ESR tubes are specialized blood collection tubes used to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an indicator of inflammation in the body.
Typically, these tubes are black-topped and contain an anticoagulant, commonly sodium citrate, to prevent blood clotting during the test.(Wikipedia)
The standard Westergren method involves filling the tube to the 200 mm mark with blood and observing the rate at which red blood cells settle over a period, usually one hour.(DWK)
Modern ESR tubes are often vacuum-sealed to ensure consistent blood volume and are made from plastic to reduce the risk of breakage.
These tubes are sterile and are typically packaged in boxes containing multiple units for clinical use.(ELITechGroup Global)
They are essential in diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancers, where inflammation is a key concern.
ESR tubes are widely available through medical supply retailers and are a standard tool in clinical laboratories for inflammation assessment.