Instrument overview

The Starrsed Blood Sedimentation Rate Instrument (hereafter called Starrsed ST) is an in vitro diagnostic medical device that automatically carries out the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) analysis according to the Westergren method, conforming to CLSI approved standard H02-A5¹ and recommended by the ICSH², using closed sample tubes filled with citrate or EDTA blood.

The Starrsed ST is an advanced ESR system that offers many unique features and benefits over the traditional ESR procedures. Automating this method has the following advantages:

• The Westergren pipettes are always filled to the correct level.
• Using closed sample tubes reduces the possibility of contamination for the user and environment.
• Standard glass Westergren pipettes are used, in which the measurement can be corrected to a constant temperature (18 °C Celsius). Even small abnormalities can be detected over a longer period of time, irrespective of where and when the blood sample was taken.
• Sample ID's are read by the barcode reader and each sedimentation measurement is linked to the identified sample, so that a manual work sheet is unnecessary.
• Software version <2.15 only: In the EDTA mode, the dilution of EDTA blood with citrate is considerably more accurate than manual dilution achieved either by "tipping off" or using evacuated blood collection tubes pre-filled with citrate solution.
• The data can be send to your Lab Information System (LIS/LIMS)
• Minimum sample volume is 1.2 ml for the Starrsed ST.
• The Starrsed ST can use a variety of closed tubes from different manufacturers.

References:

(1) CLSI Procedures for the Erytrhocyte Sedimentation Rate Test: Approved Standard - Fifth edition H02-A5, VOl. 31 No 11; 2011

(2) ICSH review of the measurement of the Erythrocyte sedimentation rate / J. M. Jou, Int. Journal of Laboratory Hematology 2011 (33), p .125-132