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Red Blood Cell Sedimentation in Centrifugation: Physics and Clinical Correlation
Centrifugation separates blood by density. RBCs (density ~1.09 g/mL) sediment to the bottom; buffy coat (WBCs/platelets, density ~1.06) forms a thin middle layer; plasma (density ~1.03) remains on top.
Factors Affecting Sedimentation Rate (ESR)
- RBC properties: Size, shape, charge (zeta potential). Anisocytosis, spherocytes → faster; macrocytes, sickle cells → slower.
- Plasma factors: Fibrinogen, immunoglobulins ↑ rouleaux → faster ESR; albumin ↓ ESR.
- Temperature/viscosity: Higher temp → lower viscosity → faster sedimentation.
Clinical Use
- Hematocrit (packed cell volume) from spun microhematocrit tube.
- ESR (Westergren) as nonspecific inflammation marker.
- Component separation for transfusion medicine.
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