ASTM E1046-85(2021)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Glass Westergren Tube, Disposable
Standard Specification for Glass Westergren Tube, Disposable
ABSTRACT
This specification covers a disposable glass Westergren tube used for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Covered by this specification are Type I (standard Westergren tube used in conventional racks only) and Type II (self-zeroing tubes used with racks that have convenient disposable tube features) Westergren tubes. The tubes shall be manufactured from borosilicate glass (Type I, Class B) or soda lime glass (Type II) into a one-piece construction that is free from visible defects, straight, and of uniform bore, with the ends of the tube cut at right angles to the tube axis and fire polished. In addition, Type II tubes shall be inserted wit an absorbent cotton plug. The tube shall be graduated, with graduation lines at right angles to the tube axis and in units of millimeters.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers a disposable tube used for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR (the suspension stability of red cells in diluted, anti-coagulated human blood).
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.
1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-Dec-2020
- Technical Committee
- E41 - Laboratory Apparatus
- Drafting Committee
- E41.01 - Laboratory Ware and Supplies
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Feb-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-1993
- Effective Date
- 15-Aug-1993
Overview
ASTM E1046-85(2021): Standard Specification for Glass Westergren Tube, Disposable defines the requirements for disposable glass Westergren tubes used to measure the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) in human blood samples. Developed by ASTM International, this standard ensures that laboratories and manufacturers use Westergren tubes of consistent quality for accurate ESR testing. The specification covers two types of tubes: Type I, intended for conventional racks, and Type II, equipped for racks with features tailored to disposable tubes.
This document is essential for clinical laboratory practices, ensuring safety, effectiveness, and reliable measurement results in accordance with internationally recognized standardization principles.
Key Topics
- Tube Construction and Materials
- Type I tubes: Made from Type I, Class B borosilicate glass.
- Type II tubes: Made from soda lime glass and feature an absorbent cotton plug.
- Both are of one-piece construction, free of visible defects, with straight, uniform bores.
- Graduation and Marking
- Graduated scales in millimeters with lines at right angles to the tube axis.
- Scale extends 200 mm from the tip, with numerical markings every 10 or 20 mm.
- Graduation lines are clearly marked and conform to strict tolerances to ensure accuracy.
- Physical and Dimensional Requirements
- Tubes are cut at right angles to the axis and fire polished.
- Type II tubes: Have the cotton plug precisely aligned with the 0 mm calibration line.
- Dimensions including tube length (for Type II, typically 230 to 243 mm) and bore uniformity are tightly controlled.
- Disposable Use and Safety
- Specified for single use only to maintain safety and performance.
- Reuse is discouraged, and responsibility for any reuse falls on the individual or institution.
Applications
- Clinical Laboratories
- Used extensively for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), an important indicator in diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory diseases, infections, and other medical conditions.
- Quality Assurance and Manufacturing
- Manufacturers of laboratory glassware use ASTM E1046-85(2021) to ensure their disposable Westergren tubes meet international quality and safety standards.
- Research and Healthcare Institutions
- Assures consistent performance in ESR testing protocols, contributing to reliable diagnostic outcomes and patient care.
Related Standards
- ASTM E438 - Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
- Defines the types of glass applicable for laboratory use, referenced for material requirements in ASTM E1046.
- ISO ESR Testing Standards
- International standards for erythrocyte sedimentation rate procedures, complementing the use of conformant Westergren tubes.
- Clinical Laboratory Practices
- Standards and guidelines for blood analysis and ESR measurement, where ASTM E1046-85(2021) supports accurate sample testing.
Keywords: ASTM E1046-85(2021), disposable glass Westergren tube, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR tube specification, clinical laboratory standards, borosilicate glass tube, soda lime glass tube, laboratory supplies, laboratory glassware, standard ESR tube, medical diagnostics, single-use laboratory tubes, ASTM standards.
By adhering to ASTM E1046-85(2021), laboratories and manufacturers can ensure that disposable Westergren tubes are safe, accurate, and reliable for ESR measurement-an essential part of clinical diagnostics.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E1046-85(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Glass Westergren Tube, Disposable". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers a disposable glass Westergren tube used for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Covered by this specification are Type I (standard Westergren tube used in conventional racks only) and Type II (self-zeroing tubes used with racks that have convenient disposable tube features) Westergren tubes. The tubes shall be manufactured from borosilicate glass (Type I, Class B) or soda lime glass (Type II) into a one-piece construction that is free from visible defects, straight, and of uniform bore, with the ends of the tube cut at right angles to the tube axis and fire polished. In addition, Type II tubes shall be inserted wit an absorbent cotton plug. The tube shall be graduated, with graduation lines at right angles to the tube axis and in units of millimeters. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers a disposable tube used for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR (the suspension stability of red cells in diluted, anti-coagulated human blood). 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ABSTRACT This specification covers a disposable glass Westergren tube used for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Covered by this specification are Type I (standard Westergren tube used in conventional racks only) and Type II (self-zeroing tubes used with racks that have convenient disposable tube features) Westergren tubes. The tubes shall be manufactured from borosilicate glass (Type I, Class B) or soda lime glass (Type II) into a one-piece construction that is free from visible defects, straight, and of uniform bore, with the ends of the tube cut at right angles to the tube axis and fire polished. In addition, Type II tubes shall be inserted wit an absorbent cotton plug. The tube shall be graduated, with graduation lines at right angles to the tube axis and in units of millimeters. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers a disposable tube used for measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR (the suspension stability of red cells in diluted, anti-coagulated human blood). 1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard. 1.3 This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
ASTM E1046-85(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.100.99 - Other standards related to laboratory medicine. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E1046-85(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E438-92(2024), ASTM E438-92(2018), ASTM E438-92(2011), ASTM E438-92(2006), ASTM E438-92(2001)e1, ASTM E438-92(1996). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E1046-85(2021) is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: E1046 −85 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Glass Westergren Tube, Disposable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E1046; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope that is described in other published standards. The tubes shall
be of the following types:
1.1 This specification covers a disposable tube used for
4.1.1 Type I—standard Westergren tube to be used in con-
measuring the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ESR (the sus-
ventional racks only, and
pension stability of red cells in diluted, anti-coagulated human
4.1.2 Type II—self-zeroing tubes to be used with racks
blood).
designed with convenient disposable tube features.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
5. Materials
standard.
5.1 Glass—The tubes made to this specification shall be
1.3 This international standard was developed in accor-
fabricatedfromborosilicateglass,TypeI,ClassB,orsodalime
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
glass, Type II, in accordance with Specification E438.
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom- 6. Physical Requirements
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 Design, Type I and II—The Westergren tube shall be
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
made of one-piece construction from tubing that is straight and
of uniform bore. The ends of the tube shall be cut at right
2. Referenced Documents
angles to the axis of the tube and fire polished.
2.1 ASTM Standards:
6.1.1 Type II only—Eachtubeshallhaveanabsorbantcotton
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
plug inserted in the tube with the bottom edge of the plug
3. Terminology aligned with the 0 mm calibration line. The alignment of the
plug to the calibration line should not vary by more than 1 mL.
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
The plug must be capable of supporting a 200 mm vertical
3.1.1 disposable, n—in accordance with this specification
column of water when the plug has been thoroughly soaked.
and the expected product performance expressed in this
standard, those tubes which are to be used one time only. Any
NOTE 1—With possible printing scale variation and cotton plug
alignment to the calibration line variation, the bottom of the cotton plug is
institution or individual who resuses a disposable tube must
to be located 200 6 1 mm from the bottom of the tube.
bear full responsibility for its safety and effectiveness.
6.2 Workmanship—The tube shall be free as possible from
3.1.2 Westergren , n—surname of the individual responsible
visible defects which would detract from its appearance or
for the design of the reusable Westergren tube and the method
impair its serviceability when viewed by the human eye under
of use for both reusable and disposable tubes.
normal room lighting. Self-zeroing tubes are to be used with
4. Classification
racks designed with convenient disposable tube features.
4.1 This specification covers a tube that is intended to be
6.3 Dimensions—Dimensions and tolerances shall be in
used one time only. It is not to be
...
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