Starrsed RL
Fully automated Rack line ESR analyzer
The Starrsed RL makes continuous production of the ESR analyses available, as a segment within a complete production line or as a stand-alone instrument. Easy loading of the samples from the racks into the instrument. Fully automatic barcode reading for an optimum co-operation with the administration- and report software. Fully automated preparation of samples before aspiration.
Westergren Sedimentation Method
One of the oldest and most frequently requested blood tests is ESR. It has not changed fundamentally in the way it is carried out since Westergren described it in 1921. In 2011, the International Council for Standardization in Hematology (ICSH) and the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) defined the Reference Method for ESR to be the Westergren Method; the Gold Standard. The objective of ESR testing is to measure inflammatory state. The Westergren Method measures both infections related to infectious diseases and chronic inflammatory conditions. In addition to being very reliable, the Westergren Sedimentation Method is also amongst the cheapest laboratory tests available.
The Process
After filling the start pool with blood cell counter racks, the instrument starts with a pre-mixing phase before actually drawing the sample from the tube. The built-in barcode reader identifies which sample tube has to be aspirated. The instrument communicates with the Laboratory Information Management System. The aspiration system is activated and the needle pierces the cap. Blood is drawn from the tube. The Starrsed RL has a fully integrated diluting system, which dilutes the blood with the Starrsed citrate diluent in a 4:1 ratio, in full accordance with the Westergren Method. The diluted blood sample is then drawn up into one of the 84 Westergren pipettes inside the instrument. After 30 or 60 minutes the ESR is read and the result is sent automatically to the LIMS.
Cleaning
The used Westergren pipettes are automatically cleaned and dried after each test and ready for a new sample. Additionally, all 84 pipettes receive an automatic end of day cleaning and rinsing that uses special Starrsed reagents. This prevents any bacterial growth or protein build-up. All waste fluids, i.e. blood, diluents, cleaning agent and disinfectant, are collected in a built-in waste container, ready for disposal as stipulated by local regulations.
Easy to Use
A fully intuitive touch screen or mouse is all you need to operate the Starrsed RL. The connected PC stores all data and allows for easy access. A push of a button is all that is needed to produce the entire instrument operating history. The built-in QC-program monitors the performance of the Starrsed RL daily, and generates output files for use in Excel or external QC-programs.
Controls
Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) advises the use of controls to ensure the continued reliability of the test results. RR Mechatronics supports this with Starrsed Control. It is to be used in the ESR analyzers as if it were a real patient sample. Starrsed Control is processed exactly the same way and is fully compliant with the ICSH recommendations and CLSI procedures. The QC test results are saved separately from patient test results and appear on a designated QC page. As a result, your laboratory is always able to check on the instrument’s status. Starrsed Control gives you maximum reliability at minimal effort and costs.
Additional Benefits
As the Westergren glass tubes are re-usable after each automatic cleaning with Starrsed Cleaning Agent, there are no additional costs for new pipettes. No disposable plastics of any kind are used.
As opposed to other ESR test instruments, Starrsed instruments actually identify and report hazy samples so that the lab technician may decide on further testing.
The Starrsed RL makes use of EDTA sample tubes. The advantage is that EDTA blood is very stable compared to pre-citrated samples, allowing for accurate ESR test results up to 24 hours after collection. This provides laboratories with even more logistical flexibility.
Because the instrument dilutes the blood, which is in agreement with the Westergren Method, it compensates for different hematocrit levels. The hematocrit level of the sample therefore will not influence the accuracy of the ESR measured.
