Analytical validation of the modified Westergren method on the automated erythrocyte sedimentation rate analyzer CUBE 30 touch.

Objectives: Analytical validation of automated erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) analyzers is necessary prior to their implementation into routine practice. Our aim was to perform the analytical validation of the modified Westergren method applied on the CUBE 30 touch analyzer (Diesse, Siena, Italy).

Methods: Validation included determination of within-run and between-run precision following the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute EP15-A3 protocol, comparison with the reference Westergren method, sample stability assessment at both room temperature and 4 °C, after 4, 8 and 24-h storage, and checking the extent of hemolysis and lipemia interference.