What is the Harvey-Bradshaw Index?

The HBI is a simplified clinical index developed in 1980 to assess Crohn's disease activity without requiring a patient diary. It uses five items scored on the day of assessment and correlates well with the more complex CDAI.

What do the HBI score ranges mean?

Scores below 5 indicate remission. Scores of 5–7 indicate mild disease. Scores of 8–16 indicate moderate disease. Scores above 16 indicate severe disease.

How is HBI different from CDAI?

The CDAI requires a 7-day patient diary, hematocrit, and body weight data. The HBI is a single-day snapshot using only clinical observations, making it faster and more practical for routine clinic use.

What counts as a liquid stool for HBI?

Count each episode of liquid or very soft stool passed in the 24 hours before assessment. Formed stools are not counted.

Can I use this tool to diagnose Crohn's disease?

No. The HBI measures activity in patients with an established diagnosis of Crohn's disease. Diagnosis requires endoscopy, imaging, and histopathology interpreted by a physician.

Harvey-Bradshaw Index (HBI) Calculator — Crohn's Disease Activity

HBI Score	Activity
< 5	Remission
5 – 7	Mild activity
8 – 16	Moderate activity
> 16	Severe activity

Summary

Score five clinical parameters to classify Crohn's disease activity as remission, mild, moderate, or severe.

How it works

Rate your general well-being over the past day (0 = very well, 4 = terrible).
Rate your worst abdominal pain (0 = none, 3 = severe).
Enter the number of liquid or very soft stools in the past day.
Indicate the presence and character of any abdominal mass.
Check any current complications such as arthralgia, uveitis, or fistula.
The total HBI score classifies disease activity: remission (<5), mild (5–7), moderate (8–16), or severe (>16).

Use cases

Monitoring Crohn's disease activity at clinic visits.
Tracking response to medical therapy over time.
Deciding when to escalate or step down treatment.
Documenting disease severity for specialist referrals.
Research and clinical trial eligibility screening.
Patient self-monitoring between appointments.

Harvey-Bradshaw Index

Clinical Parameters

Score Breakdown

Interpretation Reference