Validation of automated ESR methods with conventional method as gold standard

ABSTRACT

To compare the ESR values by Ves-Matic Easy and Vacuette SRS 20/11 with conventional Westergren method, aiming to validate the automated methods. A cross-sectional study was conducted at Islamabad Diagnostic centre, Islamabad. A total of 108 blood samples were subjected to ESR estimation by manual Westergren method and by automated [Ves-Matic and Vacuette SRS] methods. Results were analyzed on SPSS ver. 17. Results were compared and their correlation was calculated using Pearson correlation coefficient. There is strong positive correlation between Westergren method and Ves-Matic easy methods with Pearson coefficient of 0.97 and highly significant p value of 0.000. Results also show strong positive correlation between Westergren and Vacuette SRS methods with Pearson coefficient of 0.95 and highly significant p value of 0.00. Both automated methods [Ves-Matic Easy and Vacuette SRS] show good correlation to manual Westergren method, and are reliable and suitable for use in high workload clinical laboratory.