Evaluation of sedimentation rate methodology reveals an unusual pediatric subpopulation with lupus or lupus-like syndrome and hemolytic anemia

Purpose Sedimentaion rate is often used to manage pediatric patients with rheumatologic disease. Most management decisions are dependent on studies which have used Wintrobe or Westergren sedimentation rate methodologies. However, these methods suffer from the need for relatively large amounts of blood and long turn-around times. Determination of sedimentation rate using laser kinetic rate determination has allowed calibration to Westergren methods, low volume of blood needed for testing and very rapid results. We sought to compare the Wintrobe method to the ESR Stat method (kinetic method; HemaTechnologies, Lebanon NJ) to determine suitability of the ESR Stat method for patient testing.