What is the normal value of sedimentation in blood?

BSE is a simple blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells sink to the bottom and helps detect inflammation, with normal values varying based on age and gender. CRP and hs-CRP are often better tests for inflammation because of their speed, specificity, and less influence by external factors

Sedimentation rate (BSE) or erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a simple blood test that measures the rate at which red blood cells (erythrocytes) sink to the bottom of a tube of unclotted blood. This test can help detect inflammation in the body.

Normal values of BSE

Normal values for BSE may vary depending on age and sex:

• Men:

  • Younger than 50 years: 0-15 mm/hour
  • Older than 50 years: 0-20 mm/hour

• Women:

  • Younger than 50 years: 0-20 mm/hour
  • Older than 50 years: 0-30 mm/hour

An elevated BSE can indicate inflammation, infection, autoimmune disease, or other medical conditions. However, it is a nonspecific test and can be influenced by many different factors.

Why CRP or hs-CRP is better than BSE

C-reactive protein (CRP) and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) are other blood tests that measure inflammation. These tests have some advantages over BSE:

Benefits of CRP and hs-CRP

1. Faster and more specific measurement:

   • CRP and hs-CRP can respond quickly to inflammation and infection, often within hours, while BSE can take several days to rise.
   • They are more specific for measuring acute inflammation and can distinguish between different types of inflammation.

2. Less influence from external factors:

   • CRP levels are less affected by factors such as age, gender, and anemia, which may make them more reliable than BSE.

3. Suitable for cardiovascular disease:

   • hs-CRP is specifically designed to detect low-grade inflammation associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease. It can help identify individuals at increased risk for heart attack or stroke.