Beckton Dickinson Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) tubes are being discontinued
Dear Primary Care Colleagues,
We would like to inform you of an update regarding our blood collection tube supplier, Beckton Dickinson. Regrettably, they have discontinued the manufacturing of Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate (ESR) tubes. The Trust currently holds a limited stock of these ESR tubes, with an expiry date of November 31st, 2023. Please be advised that once this date is reached, the RDUH will no longer be able to supply ESR tubes to primary care. Existing stock with this expiry date should not be used beyond this point.
We understand that some surgeries have opted for in-house ESR testing. Alternative ESR tubes and the necessary measuring racks are readily available for purchase online or through the NHS supply chain. Should your practice wish to continue offering ESR testing, please be aware that the responsibility for sourcing these supplies will fall upon your practice.
If you wish to discuss this further, please contact the Duty Biochemist: rduh.biochem@nhs.net.
