The ESR Stat Plus is an automated sed rate analyzer available from HemaTechnologies. Unlike traditional hour-long sed rate tests, the ESR Stat Plus can produce accurate results for up to three samples in just five minutes.
An erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), or sed rate, is a blood test designed to show the presence of inflammation in the body. When a blood sample is taken and placed in a long, thin tube, the erythrocytes (red blood cells) gradually fall to the bottom of the sample. If there is inflammation present in the body, these red blood cells will clump together. These clumps are dense, and they will therefore settle faster than individual cells.
A traditional ESR measures the distance erythrocytes settle in a one-hour period of time. The further they fall, the greater the inflammation. Automated sed rate devices can conduct the same analysis much faster, eliminating the need to wait an hour for results.
