ASTM E961-97(2021)
(Specification)Standard Specification for Blood Sedimentation Tube, Wintrobe, Glass, Reusable
Standard Specification for Blood Sedimentation Tube, Wintrobe, Glass, Reusable
ABSTRACT
This specification covers reusable blood sedimentation tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells. The tubes shall be fabricated from borosilicate glass, Type I, Class B, or sodalime glass, Type II. A resistance to centrifugal force test shall be performed on the tubes.
SCOPE
1.1 This specification covers reusable blood sedimentation tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells.
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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.4 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-Jul-2019
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2013
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2011
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2010
- Effective Date
- 15-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2006
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2005
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2000
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2000
Overview
ASTM E961-97(2021): Standard Specification for Blood Sedimentation Tube, Wintrobe, Glass, Reusable is an international standard developed by ASTM International. This specification covers requirements for reusable Wintrobe blood sedimentation tubes made from borosilicate or sodalime glass. These tubes are essential laboratory apparatus for determining blood sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells (erythrocytes). By prescribing dimensional, material, graduation, performance, and marking requirements, ASTM E961-97(2021) ensures the reliability and repeatability of laboratory tests using Wintrobe tubes.
Key Topics
- Material Composition: Specifies the use of high-quality borosilicate glass, Type I, Class B, or sodalime glass, Type II, to ensure chemical resistance, durability, and repeated usability.
- Measurements and Graduations: Describes precise tube dimensions (outside diameter, inside diameter, length) and graduation markings for accurate measurement of blood sedimentation and hematocrit values.
- Functional Design: The Wintrobe tube’s design is intended for repeated use until it is no longer deemed functional. Tubes must include a frosted marking area and clear manufacturer identification for accuracy and traceability.
- Performance Criteria: All tubes must pass a resistance to centrifugal force test, ensuring integrity under conditions of high speed centrifugation (minimum 2,500 gravities relative centrifugal force).
- Packaging and Traceability: Outlines packaging options to protect the glass tubes during transport and storage, referencing other ASTM standards for commercial and export packaging.
- Safety and Responsibility: Highlights the user’s responsibility for establishing safety, health, and environmental practices relevant to the application of this laboratory apparatus.
Applications
The main applications of Wintrobe blood sedimentation tubes compliant with ASTM E961-97(2021) are in clinical and research laboratories where blood analysis is performed. Typical uses include:
- Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) Determination: Measuring how quickly red blood cells settle in a test tube, which is a key indicator for diagnosing inflammation and other medical conditions.
- Hematocrit Measurement: Determining the proportion of red blood cells in blood, which helps in diagnosing anemia, polycythemia, and other hematological disorders.
- Routine and Specialized Blood Testing: Used in hospitals, healthcare labs, and research institutions to support accurate and repeatable blood test results.
- Teaching and Training: Medical schools and laboratory training programs use Wintrobe tubes for instructional purposes on blood analysis techniques.
Laboratories adhering to ASTM E961-97(2021) ensure their equipment meets international best practices, supports consistent results, and aligns with health sector quality standards.
Related Standards
Several other ASTM standards are referenced to support the adoption and practical application of ASTM E961-97(2021):
- ASTM E438 - Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
- ASTM E920 - Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
- ASTM E921 - Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Apparatus
- ASTM E1133 - Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Laboratory Apparatus for United States Government Procurements
- ASTM E1157 - Specification for Sampling and Testing of Reusable Laboratory Glassware
Adhering to these related standards helps ensure the durability, safety, and consistent quality of Wintrobe tubes in laboratory environments, supporting regulatory compliance and effective patient care.
Keywords: blood sedimentation tube, Wintrobe tube, reusable glassware, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, ASTM standard, laboratory apparatus, hematocrit, borosilicate glass, clinical laboratory, medical diagnostics.
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ASTM E961-97(2021) - Standard Specification for Blood Sedimentation Tube, Wintrobe, Glass, Reusable
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM E961-97(2021) is a technical specification published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Specification for Blood Sedimentation Tube, Wintrobe, Glass, Reusable". This standard covers: ABSTRACT This specification covers reusable blood sedimentation tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells. The tubes shall be fabricated from borosilicate glass, Type I, Class B, or sodalime glass, Type II. A resistance to centrifugal force test shall be performed on the tubes. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers reusable blood sedimentation tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells. 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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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 reusable blood sedimentation tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells. The tubes shall be fabricated from borosilicate glass, Type I, Class B, or sodalime glass, Type II. A resistance to centrifugal force test shall be performed on the tubes. SCOPE 1.1 This specification covers reusable blood sedimentation tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the volume of packed red blood cells. 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 standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety, health, and environmental practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use. 1.4 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 E961-97(2021) is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 11.100.30 - Analysis of blood and urine. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM E961-97(2021) has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM E438-92(2024), ASTM E920-97(2019), ASTM E438-92(2018), ASTM E920-97(2013), ASTM E438-92(2011), ASTM E1157-87(2018)e1, ASTM E1157-87(2011), ASTM E1133-86(2010), ASTM E921-97(2010), ASTM E920-97(2008), ASTM E1157-87(2006), ASTM E438-92(2006), ASTM E1133-86(2005), ASTM E1133-86(1996)e1, ASTM E1133-86(2000). Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM E961-97(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: E961 −97 (Reapproved 2021)
Standard Specification for
Blood Sedimentation Tube, Wintrobe, Glass, Reusable
This standard is issued under the fixed designation E961; 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 3. Terminology
3.1 Definitions of Terms Specific to This Standard:
1.1 This specification covers reusable blood sedimentation
3.1.1 reusable—capable of being used again.
tubes suitable for determining sedimentation rates and the
volume of packed red blood cells. 3.1.2 Wintrobe—the surname of the individual responsible
for the design of the Wintrobe tube and the method of use.
1.2 The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as
standard. No other units of measurement are included in this
4. Classification
standard.
4.1 This specification covers a tube that is intended to be
1.3 This standard does not purport to address all of the
used until it is no longer considered a functional device for the
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
purpose intended.
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
5. Materials
priate safety, health, and environmental practices and deter-
mine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.
5.1 Glass—The tubes made to this specification shall be
1.4 This international standard was developed in accor- fabricated from borosilicate glass, Type I, Class B, or soda-
lime glass, Type II, in accordance with Specification E438.
dance with internationally recognized principles on standard-
ization established in the Decision on Principles for the
6. Dimensions and Graduations
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recom-
mendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical
6.1 Dimensions—The tube shall be made of tubing with an
Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee. outside diameter (O.D.) of 7.0 to 8.0 mm with an inside
diameter (I.D.) of 2.9 to 3.3 mm. The uniformity of the bore
shall be 60.1 mm throughout the tube. The tube shall be 110
2. Referenced Documents
to 117 mm long and have a graduated scale of 105 6 0.25 mm
2.1 ASTM Standards:
from the inside bottom of the tube. The tube shall be legibly
E438 Specification for Glasses in Laboratory Apparatus
marked with the manufacturer’s or vendor’s name or mark and
E920 Specification for Commercially Packaged Laboratory
possess a frosted area for marking purposes.
Apparatus
6.2 Graduation Scale—The tube shall be graduated 105 6
E921 Specification for Export Packaged Laboratory Appa-
0.25mmin1-mmdivisionsandnumberedevery1cmwithtwo
ratus
sets of numerals. One set of graduation numerals shall be from
E1133 Practice for Performance Testing of Packaged Labo-
0 to 9 cm down the left side of the graduation scale and the
ratory Apparatus for United States Government Procure-
other set of g (20 to 25 °C) for 15 min. Remove tube from the
ments
solution and thoroughly rinse in tap water followed by distilled
E1157 Specification for Samplin
...




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