Comparison of ESR measurement results obtained using the modified Westergren method and an alternative method integrated into a hematology analyzer

Objectives. The introduction of an alternative method for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and its combined implementation with a complete blood count (CBC) analysis into automated hematology analyzer offers a number of significant advantages for large and medium-sized laboratories: increased efficiency, standardization of the analytical process, cost reduction, and faster turnaround time. In this study, we assess the consistency of clinical results obtained using the modified Westergren method and the alternative ESR measurement method in the context of a technology transition in a high-volume laboratory practice.

Materials and methods. 414 clinical samples were studied, selected during routine testing in such a way that their ESR values were evenly distributed across the entire analytical range of this parameter. Routine testing was performed on a Ves-Matic Cube 200 analyzer (manufactured by Diesse (Italy)); samples were also tested using the alternative method implemented on a BC-6800 Plus hematology analyzer (manufactured by Mindray (PRC)). Data comparison was carried out using linear regression analysis algorithms and Bland-Altman plots.*

Results. The ESR results measured by the two methods correlated well with each other (r=0.93, y= 3.387 + 0.695x). The methods demonstrated a high degree of result agreement (P>0.05).

Conclusion. The consistency of the ESR measurement results during the transition from the modernized Westergren method to an alternative research method was ensured by a high correlation of the results obtained on both devices over the entire analytical range. The functional ESR measurement unit of the Mindray BC-6800 Plus analyzer demonstrated high accuracy and good reproducibility, which provided a faster, safer and more reliable ESR measurement method.

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