DIN EN ISO 13079:2025-11

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) measures the stability of red blood cells suspended in plasma. It is a routine procedure that is widely used as a screening method for the evaluation and monitoring of patients with infections, inflammation, and certain other conditions. In essence, the sedimentation of red blood cells in diluted blood is measured after one hour using an open-top glass or plastic tube of 300 mm in length; the tube is marked with a scale over a length of 200 mm and stands vertically in a rack. The standard specifies requirements for the materials, design, and construction of reusable Westergren tubes and single-use Westergren tubes made of glass or plastic. Dimensions and tolerance limits for Westergren tubes are defined, and the standard describes how to determine the stability and straightness of the tubes. Another test deals with contamination of the tubes with substances that may affect the measurement. The standard DIN EN ISO 13079 is a product standard primarily intended for manufacturers of Westergren tubes. The corresponding test procedure for users in medical laboratories is described in the technical literature and in DIN 58935-1. The International and European standard has been prepared at the request of the United Kingdom in ISO/TC 48 "Laboratory equipment" and in CEN/TC 332 "Laboratory equipment". The German mirror committee, AA "Volumetric apparatus" of FNLa, was principally involved. DIN EN ISO 13079 replaces the older national standard DIN 12845:1972.