The effect of packing of the red cells on the ESR

Summary

As the sedimentation of red cells goes on they become increasingly compact, which hinders their further sedimentation. This enables one to apply the exponential relation S=S_o(1−e^−kt) to the ESR—time curve.

Experimental verification of the formula has demonstrated that with a normal and slightly accelerated ESR there is a good accord between the experimental and the theoretical sedimentation values, while in the event of increased ESR, there is considerable discrepancy between them.

This is caused by the absence of the factor of the red cell agglomeration in the formula, which is of decisive significance in the acceleration of ESR.