Erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus and method

Erthrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus for use with a direct flow needle assembly having a hollow tubular body including a smooth cylindrical first bore opening through one end of the body, and an elongated hollow tubular needle mounted in fixed position at the other end of the body and extending through said other end and coaxially into said first bore, the needle having one sharp end exposed within said bore and another sharp end exposed externally of said body, said erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus comprising an axially elongated transparent generally cylindrical ESR specimen tube having a main body portion and a diametrically enlarged portion at one end, said tube having a generally cylindrical blind second bore opening through said one end, said main body portion having a uniform interior cross section throughout its length, a penetrable elastomeric stopper received within said one end and sealing said tube, said cylindrical stopper having an integral diametrically enlarged and generally cylindrical flange exposed externally of said tube and projecting beyond the periphery of said tube, said flange having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said first bore, the space within said tube being substantially evacuated, and rack means for supporting said ESR specimen tube in axially vertical position and having a horizontally disposed base and a panel supported on and extending vertically upwardly from said base, a clip mounted on said panel for engaging and releasably retaining said main body portion, and an upwardly opening generally cylindrical aperture in said base in axially vertical alignment with said clip, said aperture having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said cylindrical flange.