Canadian Society for Medical Laboratory Science (CSMLS) Practice Exam

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What are the Wintrobe and Westergren methods used to measure?

Prothrombin time
Sedimentation rate
Icterus index
Hematocrit

The correct answer is: Sedimentation rate

The Wintrobe and Westergren methods are both utilized to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), which reflects the degree of inflammation in the body. This test evaluates how quickly red blood cells settle at the bottom of a vertical tube over a specified period, typically one hour. The Westergren method is often preferred for its accuracy and is conducted using a wider tube, while the Wintrobe method uses a narrower tube. Both methods rely on the principle that red blood cells, when suspended in plasma, will aggregate under the influence of various inflammatory factors and settle more quickly in cases of inflammation or infection. This measurement is an important clinical tool in diagnosing and monitoring various conditions, such as autoimmune diseases, infections, and some types of cancer.