Blood collection and testing improvements

A method for blood sedimentation rate analysis, comprising the steps of:

• providing an elongated optically clear glass tube with an outside diameter of about 5 to about 10 mm and an inside diameter from about 4 to about 6 mm with an open first end for receiving a venipuncture blood sample of at least 1 ml, and a volume ranging from about 1 ml to about 5 ml, and having a closed end opposite the first end;
• laminating a transparent polyester tamper-evident containment barrier including an at least partially hardenable liquid coating onto the exterior of the glass tube so that the barrier:
• i. substantially encapsulates the glass tube by way of a substantially continuous layer that is sufficiently rigid that it will withstand rupture in the presence of load events sufficient to break the tube if no barrier is present;
• ii. is an axially oriented plastic for helping provide enhanced mechanical properties;
• iii. is sufficiently transparent that accurate and reproducible sedimentation rate tests are obtainable by an optical detection technique using the tube;
• and
• iv. contains the contents of the tube, including tube fragments following a fracture of the tube, and also, upon fracture, the containment barrier maintains all fragments in substantial longitudinal alignment;
• evacuating the tube to below atmospheric pressure;
• sealing the evacuated tube;
• drawing the blood sample directly into the tube;
• loading the blood sample in the tube directly into an automated testing instrument so that the tube is vertically aligned within the automated testing instrument;
• and
• performing a sedimentation rate test on the blood that is drawn in the tube using the automated testing instrument, while the blood is in the tube so that a further transfer step is avoided.