MEDICAL BIOLOGY, HUMAN ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY AND PATHOLOGY - Y.I. Fedoniuk 2010

ANATOMY, PHYSIOLOGY, PATHOLOGY

SECTION 4. BLOOD SYSTEM

GAS TRANSPORT BY BLOOD

5.ERYTHROCYTE SEDIMENTATION RATE. DETERMINATION METHOD

Under normal conditions, erythrocytes form a suspension in Blood Plasma. When blood is drawn from a vessel, mixed with sodium citrate, and placed in a cylinder, erythrocytes gradually settle to the bottom. Under a Microscope, these erythrocytes appear as so-called "rouleaux" (stacks of coins).

The tendency of erythrocytes to settle is known as the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). The ESR value depends on the plasma protein composition: gamma globulins and fibrinogen increase the ESR, whereas albumins decrease it. The normal ESR range is 1-10 mm/h for men and 2-15 mm/h for women.

The ESR increases during physiological states such as Pregnancy and menstruation due to elevated plasma fibrinogen concentrations.

An elevated ESR is observed in inflammatory, infectious, and oncological diseases, which is attributed to an increase in gamma globulin levels.

The ESR is determined using the Panchenkov apparatus (Fig. 4.4). To do this, draw a 5% sodium citrate solution up to the P mark using a capillary and expel it into a porcelain dish. Then, draw blood up to the K mark of the capillary twice and add it to the sodium citrate solution, mixing thoroughly. Fill the capillary with the mixture up to the K mark and place it in a strictly vertical position in the Panchenkov apparatus. After 1 hour, measure the height of the plasma Column above the settled erythrocytes using the graduated capillary.

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Fig. 4.4. Panchenkov apparatus



Last update: 08/08/2026

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