Meter for measuring erythrocyte settling rates

A novel meter is provided for measuring erythrocyte settling rates. It includes a base supporting a rack adapted to hold an array of tubes at an optimum settling angle and at least one tube adapted to contain blood samples, the tube including an upper window of predetermined length and a lower window of predetermined length below the upper window and separated therefrom by an opaque section, each window permitting passage of ambient light therethrough. A timer is provided which is actuated by the passage of light through the windows when the tube contains blood, to determine the rate at which the erythrocytes settle. This timing is achieved by means of an upper photodiode behind the upper window actuated by the passage of ambient light through the upper window to begin cumulative time counting, and a lower photodiode behind the lower window actuated by the passage of ambient light through the lower window to stop the cumulative time interval counting, the time interval being representative of the erythrocyte settling rate. Preferably the time interval is displayed. By this invention, a blood test may be done in 5 to 15 minutes. A doctor (or probably his nurse) can perform the test while continuing the examination of the patient and have the results in time for diagnosis.