What is the Difference Between Wintrobe and Westergren Tube?

The main differences between Wintrobe and Westergren tubes are their size, diameter, and the tests they are used for. Both tubes are used to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), but they produce slightly different results, and most laboratories use the Westergren method. Here are the key differences between the two tubes:

• Size: A Wintrobe tube is 110 mm long, while a Westergren tube is 300 mm long.
• Diameter: The uniform bore diameter of the Wintrobe tube is 3 mm, while the diameter of the Westergren tube is 2.5 mm.
• Tests: Wintrobe tubes are used to determine packed cell volume (PCV), ESR, and prepare Buffy coat smears. Westergren tubes are used to determine ESR with reference to the distance that the red blood cells sediment.

Despite these differences, both tubes are made of borosilicate glass, are used to measure ESR, collect blood inside, and are calibrated in either cm or mm.

Comparative Table: Wintrobe vs Westergren Tube

Here is a table comparing the differences between Wintrobe and Westergren tubes:

Both tubes are made of borosilicate glass and are used to measure ESR, but they have different dimensions, calibration methods, and sample volumes. The Wintrobe tube is shorter and has a larger diameter, while the Westergren tube is longer and has a smaller diameter. The Wintrobe tube is calibrated in both ascending and descending order, whereas the Westergren tube is calibrated from above to downward. The Wintrobe tube can be used to determine PCV, ESR, and prepare Buffy coat smear, while the Westergren tube is used to determine ESR only.