The erythrocyte sedimentation curve: A semi-empirical approach 1

Abstract

A semi-empirical approach is presented to explain the entire settling curve for whole blood. This method uses the Stokes equation as modified by Ponder and Robinson. The major change includes a compact expression for the viscosity of whole blood at hematocrits in excess of 40% based upon the data of Chien. In its final form, the expression gives the height of the plasma level as a function of the time. The shape of the curve is sigmoidal and can be expressed in terms of two parameters.