Final answer:
A red-topped tube cannot be used for the ESR test, as it lacks anticoagulants necessary for the test. ESR requires a lavender or purple-topped tube containing EDTA to prevent the blood from clotting.
Step-by-step explanation:
The question is whether an ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) can be performed using a red-topped tube. This is false. The ESR test requires blood to be drawn into a tube containing an anticoagulant to prevent clotting, which is usually a tube with a lavender or purple top containing EDTA. The red-topped tubes are used for serum tests and do not contain anticoagulants, which means the blood would clot and could not be used to measure the sedimentation rate.
ESR measures how quickly red blood cells settle in a tube over a set period. In the presence of certain diseases, cells may clump together and settle to the bottom more rapidly. It is essential to utilize the correct type of tube to ensure the accuracy of the test.