CONVENTIONAL ESR V/S AUTOMATED TEST 1(ALIFAX) ESR: A COMPARATIVE STUDY AT TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Objective: The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a key test for detecting inflammation, typically measured using the manual Westergren method. Implementing automated systems like Test 1 (ALIFAX) offers advantages like quicker results and improved precision. This study compares the accuracy of the conventional Westergren method with the automated Test 1 (ALIFAX) system. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at RNT Medical College, Udaipur, using 100 blood samples. ESR was measured by both the manual Westergren method and the automated Test 1 analyzer, which utilizes capillary photometry. The correlation between the two methods was evaluated using Pearson’s correlation coefficient. Results: The mean ESR values for females were 41.88 mm/h (automated) versus 44.31 mm/h (manual), and for males, 32.16 mm/h (automated) versus 35.18 mm/h (manual). The Pearson’s correlation coefficient was 0.94, indicating a strong positive correlation. Differences between the methods were minimal for ESR values <60 mm/h but larger for values >60 mm/h. Conclusion: The automated Test 1 analyzer showed strong agreement with the Westergren method, suggesting it is a reliable and efficient alternative for ESR measurement in clinical practice.