Final answer:
True, the ESR reading may be false if the Vacutainer is not completely filled with blood because the correct blood-to-anticoagulant ratio is necessary for an accurate measurement of sedimentation rate.
Step-by-step explanation:
Impact of Incorrect Vacutainer Fill Level on ESR Readings
If the Vacutainer is not completely filled with blood, a false ESR reading may indeed result
During the ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) test, anticoagulated blood typically needs to be placed into a tall, vertical tube and its rate of sedimentation is measured. The ESR is a nonspecific test that can indicate inflammation in the body. The test procedure and conditions need to be standardized to get accurate results. One critical aspect of the test's standardization is the correct filling of the Vacutainer. If underfilled, the ratio of anticoagulant to blood is altered which may decrease the ESR, giving a false to low reading. Conversely, overfilling may dilute the blood too much, potentially giving a falsely high reading. ESR results can influence the clinical decision-making process, thus accuracy is crucial.
To answer the question, it is true that if the Vacutainer is not completely filled with blood, a false ESR reading may result. This is because the ratio of blood to anticoagulant in the collection tube is essential for accurate sedimentation rate measurement.