# US 4,392,497 A · Erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus and method > Agents: this data is available as JSON from the patentgrep API and MCP server — see https://patentgrep.com/llms.txt - Number: US 4,392,497 A - Document ID: US4392497A - Status: Granted - Kind: A - Application number: 06/212,134 - Filed: 1980-12-02 - Granted: 1983-07-12 - Earliest claimed: 1980-12-02 - Inventors: Rahmat U. Ghaussy - Web page: https://patentgrep.com/patent/US4392497A ## CPC - G01N 15/05: in blood - G01N: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIR CHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES (measuring or testing apparatus or processes other than immunoassay, involving enzymes or microorganisms C12M, C12Q) ## Abstract Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate is determined by collecting a predetermined quantity of venous blood directly within a sealed evacuated ESR specimen tube which may contain a specific quantity of an anticoagulant, agitating the sealed specimen tube to mix thoroughly the anticoagulant with the blood, supporting the sealed specimen tube in a precise axially vertical position, and measuring the distance from the bottom of the surface meniscus to the top of the column of red cells at a predetermined time after the sealed specimen tube has been vertically positioned. The ESR specimen tube has a diametrically enlarged portion at one end fitted with a penetrable elastomeric sealing stopper and may be graduated along its length. ## Claims ### Claim 1 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. ### Claim 2 (depends on 1) An erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tube has indicia of linear measurement along its length. ### Claim 3 (depends on 1, 2) An erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus as set forth in either claim 1 or claim 2 including a quantity of anticoagulant solution contained within said sealed evacuated tube. ### Claim 4 (depends on 1) An erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said tube includes an integral generally conically tapered transitional portion intermediate said main body portion and said diametrically enlarged portion. ### Claim 5 (depends on 1) An erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus as set forth in claim 1 wherein said panel has indicia of vertical linear measurement thereon. ### Claim 6 Erythrocyte 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 ESP 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, said flange having a diameter substantially equal to the diameter of said first bore, the space within said tube being substantially evacuated, a rack having a horizontally disposed base and a generally vertically disposed portion, and holding means on said rack for engaging axially spaced apart portions of said ESR specimen tube to releasably retain said specimen tube in axially vertical portion. ### Claim 7 (depends on 6) An erythrocyte sedimentation rate apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said vertically disposed portion comprises a panel having indicia of linear measurement thereon and said holding means comprises means for releasably retaining said specimen tube in a precise predetermined position relative to said rack.