BSE Value: A Marker for Ignition

CRP and hs-CRP provide rapid and specific results for detecting inflammation, making them ideal for preventive medical examinations and assessing cardiovascular disease risk. BSE is mainly used to monitor chronic diseases because of its slow response time, which is less suitable for early diagnosis.

What is the BSE Value? The BSE value, or sedimentation rate, is a blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube in an hour. This test helps detect the presence of inflammation in the body, which can be useful in diagnosing various medical conditions.

What is a Normal BSE Value? The normal BSE value can vary depending on age and gender:

• Women: 0 to 20 mm/hour
• Men: 0 to 15 mm/hr In the elderly, these values may be higher, which is normal due to natural changes in the body.

High BSE Value: What Does It Mean? A high BSE value indicates possible inflammation. This can be caused by various conditions such as infections, autoimmune diseases or even cancer. It is important to investigate a high BSE value further with additional tests to identify the underlying cause.

BSE Value in Blood The BSE test is performed by taking a blood sample and measuring the rate at which red blood cells settle. This test gives a general picture of inflammatory activity in the body, but is not specific to any condition.

When is a BSE Value Normal? A normal BSE value usually means that there is no significant inflammatory activity in the body. However, some people may have a normal BSE value and still have an underlying disease or condition. It is always important to discuss symptoms with a doctor even if the BSE value is normal.

The BSE test is a useful tool for detecting inflammation, but it is only one aspect of a comprehensive medical examination. For specific concerns or symptoms, it is a good idea to seek professional medical advice.

How does it work with an EDTA tube?

1. Blood collection: When a blood sample is drawn for a BSE test, it is often done in a tube containing an anticoagulant, such as EDTA (ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid). EDTA works by binding calcium in the blood, preventing blood clotting. This is crucial to keeping red blood cells in their natural state during transport.
2. Shipping: After collection, the tube is tightly sealed and packaged for shipment. It is important to keep the sample well refrigerated and protected from shock and extreme temperatures during transport to preserve the integrity of the blood sample.
3. Laboratory analysis: Upon arrival at the laboratory, the sedimentation rate can still be measured. The anticoagulant properties of EDTA prevent the red blood cells from clumping or clotting, which would normally affect the sedimentation rate. This still allows laboratory technicians to observe how quickly the red blood cells sink to the bottom of the tube within a standardized time, usually one hour.
4. Results: The rate at which red blood cells settle is measured and reported as the BSE value. This gives an indication of the presence and degree of inflammation in the body.

In English, BSE stands for "Sedimentation Rate of Erythrocytes," which translates to "Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate," abbreviated as ESR. This term describes the process by which red blood cells (erythrocytes) slowly sink to the bottom of a test tube over a one-hour period, which is a measure of the presence of inflammation in the body. The rate at which red blood cells sink is affected by the amount and type of certain proteins in the blood, which may be elevated during inflammatory processes. This results in a higher sedimentation rate, which can indicate various medical conditions. In Dutch we therefore use the term BSE, and in English the equivalent ESR.

What are BSE, CRP and hs-CRP? BSE, or sedimentation rate, measures how quickly red blood cells sink to the bottom of a test tube in an hour, indicating inflammatory activity. C-reactive protein (CRP) is a protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation, with levels that can rise within hours. High-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) provides an even more sensitive measurement to detect low levels of inflammation, often used to assess heart disease risk.

What are Normal Values?

• BSE: Normally 0 to 20 mm/hr for women and 0 to 15 mm/hr for men. Elderly people may have higher values.
• CRP: Normally less than 10 mg/L, but optimal levels are lower, often below 3 mg/L.
• hs-CRP: Risk of heart disease is assessed as low (<1.0 mg/L), medium (1.0-3.0 mg/L) or high (>3.0 mg/L).

High Values: What Do They Mean?

• BSE: A high value may indicate long-term inflammatory processes such as autoimmune diseases or infections.
• CRP: Rapid increases can indicate acute infection or inflammation. Also useful for monitoring disease activity and response to treatments.
• hs-CRP: Elevated values are specifically useful for predicting cardiovascular disease risk even in the absence of other symptoms.

When are these Tests Especially Useful?

• BSE: Useful for monitoring chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
• CRP: Recommended for rapid identification of acute inflammatory reactions and infections.
• hs-CRP: Particularly valuable for evaluating cardiovascular risk in apparently healthy individuals.

Conclusion

BSE, CRP, and hs-CRP are all valuable blood tests for detecting inflammation, each with specific applications depending on the acute or chronic nature of the inflammation and the health risks being assessed. These tests provide essential information for diagnosing, monitoring and managing various medical conditions, from infections to autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. Regular health assessments and consultation with a medical professional are crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of health problems.