The Westergren is both a pipette and can refer to the tube or system used for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) testing.
Specifically:
- Westergren pipette: This is the original specialized glass pipette designed by Westergren in 1926 to standardize the manual ESR test. It delivers a precise 0.5 mL blood sample.
- Westergren tube: Later, disposable plastic tubes replaced the glass pipette for convenience. These tubes hold 0.5 mL of blood and are read similarly.
- Westergren system/method: This term more broadly refers to the standardized technique and equipment used to perform and read the ESR test manually.
Key aspects of the Westergren system include:
- Using a vertical Westergren pipette/tube of defined bore size
- Incubating and reading the ESR at 1 hour
- Measuring and reporting the sedimentation distance in mm
So in summary:
- Westergren pipette refers specifically to the original glass pipette design
- Westergren tube denotes the disposable plastic alternative
- Westergren system/method describes the standardized protocol and materials as a whole
Both the pipette and tube are integral parts of performing the Westergren ESR test.
