A new turbidimetric standard to improve the quality assurance of the erythrocyte sedimentation rate measurement.

Objectives: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) determined using manual or semi-automated methods has usually been judged a simple procedure that could be performed without any form of Quality Control. According to this point of view, the ESR would seem a semi-quantitative test instead of a real hematological test with any clinical importance. The new millennium has consolidated ESR automation and a QC plan cannot be postponed. Design and methods: Using Test1, an automated ESR analyzer, a new latex control material was evaluated and compared with fresh whole blood for quality control purposes. Results: The new latex control showed satisfactory reproducibility, precision, and "commutability" in comparison to quality control procedures that use fresh whole blood samples. Conclusions: The new standard represents another advance in ESR testing improving the accuracy of automated TEST1 measurements. (c) 2007 Published by The Canadian Society of Clinical Chemists. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.