Method Comparison of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate Automated Systems, the VES-MATIC 5 (DIESSE) and Test 1 (ALIFAX), with the Reference Method in Routine Practice.

Background: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a routine and aspecific test that is still widely used. The reference-manual method for ESR determination is the Westergren method. The VES-MATIC 5 is a novel, fully automated, and closed system based on a modified Westergren method. This study conceived the aim of comparing two ESR analytical analysers, Test 1 and the VES-MATIC 5, with the reference method in routine practice. Methods: This study included 264 randomly analysed samples. A comparison between the two methods and Westergren was performed, and they were evaluated for inter-run and intra-run precision. In addition, we investigated possible interferences and different sensitivities to conventional analytes. Results: The comparison of methods by Passing-Bablok analysis provided a good agreement for both systems, with a better correlation for VES-MATIC 5 (p = 0.96) than Test 1 (p = 0.93), and sensitivity studies did not show any significant influence. Conclusions: The VES-MATIC 5 analyser demonstrated excellent comparability with the reference method, and it had better performance than Test 1. It can be employed in routine practice, bringing advantages such as a reduction in the probability of human error compared to the manual method, as well as an increase in operator safety and environmental protection.

Velocidade de hemossedimentação: comparação entre o método Microtest X (microssedimentação) e o método de referência Westergren: [carta ao editor] / Erythrocyte sedimentation rate: comparison between the Microtest X technique (micro-sedimentation) and the Westergren reference method: [letter to editor]

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is an easy and common routine laboratory technique. Over the last few decades, new methods have been proposed to reduce biological sample manipulation, to measure rates using an automated system, to optimize the workflow and to reduce blood volume from venipuncture. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy of the Microtest X technique with the original Westergren method. EDTA blood samples of 25 subjects were submitted to both methodologies. A positive correlation (p<0.0001; R2=0.809) was found as was agreement with Bland-Altman analysis. In conclusion, the Microtest X technique allows precise and accurate measurements of ESR and can be used to replace the Westergren method. The benefits of Microtest X are the use of very small volumes of EDTA samples, it reduces sample manipulation avoiding occupational hazards and markedly reduces the analytical time.