Specimen HandlingQuestion 70 of 100
Which specimen requirement applies to an erythrocyte sedimentation rate?
a.It should be tested within about four hours at room temperature
b.It must be protected from light
c.It must be frozen if not tested within one hour
d.It requires a serum separator tube
Explanation
An ESR is performed on a well-mixed EDTA specimen and should be set up within about four hours at room temperature, because red cells lose their normal shape over time and settle differently. Freezing destroys the cells, and light does not affect sedimentation. A serum tube is unusable because the test requires anticoagulated whole blood.
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