ESR Testing Breakthrough Extends Blood Sample Stability from 4 to 28 Hours
Posted on 18 Sep 2025
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is one of the most widely ordered blood tests worldwide, helping clinicians detect and monitor infections, autoimmune conditions, cancers, and other diseases. However, conventional testing methods face a major limitation: blood samples must be tested or refrigerated within four hours of collection to remain accurate. Delays in transport or processing often compromise results, creating inefficiencies and leading to unnecessary repeat blood draws. Now, a novel technology to extend blood sample stability promises to transform ESR testing.
ALCOR Scientific (Smithfield, RI, USA) has announced a breakthrough with its iSED family of ESR analyzers, designed to address this longstanding challenge of limited blood sample stability. ALCOR’s analyzers use advanced technology to extend the stability of blood samples from four to 28 hours, a seven-fold increase compared with traditional methods. By measuring red blood cell aggregation—the initial step of the sedimentation process—the analyzers maintain sample integrity at room temperature for significantly longer.
The ISED analyzers not only extend the window of stability at room temperature but also increase refrigerated sample stability from 24 hours to 48 hours. These improvements enable labs to deliver more reliable results without compromising accuracy, even when samples travel long distances or face processing delays. The breakthrough technology ensures greater efficiency in laboratory workflows while minimizing errors caused by degraded samples.
By expanding the time frame for accurate ESR testing, laboratories gain flexibility in managing their workload while reducing the strain on logistics. Patients benefit by avoiding repeat draws caused by compromised samples, improving overall care and comfort. This advancement could become particularly impactful in regions where transport delays and limited refrigeration infrastructure challenge routine testing.
"ESR is one of the most frequently ordered tests globally, yet conventional testing methods put laboratories in a constant race against the clock," Jim Post, CEO, ALCOR Scientific. "By extending sample stability to 28 hours, our analyzers give labs the flexibility they need to operate more efficiently while ensuring more accurate results and sparing patients from the discomfort of unnecessary repeat draws. It's a win for both labs and patients."
