Fecal calprotectin (qualitative)

Please note that independent interpretation of test results is not permitted. The information below is provided for informational purposes only.

Fecal calprotectin is a biomarker of intestinal inflammation, predominantly released by neutrophils during inflammatory processes. The qualitative test detects an elevated level of calprotectin in stool and provides an indicative, non-invasive assessment of a possible inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal tract.

A positive result may be associated with the presence of an inflammatory process in the intestine, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The test may be used in the initial evaluation of patients with digestive symptoms and to support the differential diagnosis between inflammatory bowel diseases and functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome.

The test result should be interpreted by a physician in the context of the patient’s symptoms, medical history, and the results of other investigations.

Indications

• persistent or recurrent diarrhea;
• abdominal pain and discomfort;
• persistent bloating associated with other digestive symptoms;
• presence of blood or mucus in the stool;
• suspected inflammatory bowel disease;
• differential diagnosis between inflammatory bowel disease and functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome;
• initial evaluation of patients with symptoms suggestive of an inflammatory process in the intestine.

Procedure

A stool sample is required to perform the test.

The sample is collected at home in a special stool collection container, according to the laboratory’s instructions. Contamination of the sample with urine, water, or other materials should be avoided.

Limitations

The qualitative test indicates the presence or absence of an elevated calprotectin level but does not determine its exact concentration. A positive result does not automatically confirm the presence of inflammatory bowel disease and requires interpretation in the clinical context.

Elevated calprotectin levels may also occur in other conditions, including certain gastrointestinal infections, following the use of certain medications, and in other gastrointestinal disorders.

A negative result reduces the likelihood of significant intestinal inflammation but does not exclude the presence of disease in all cases.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faecal_calprotectin
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calprotectin-stool-test/
https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease/calprotectin-stool-test
https://bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-022-02220-1
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p303.html
https://www.bmj.com/content/380/bmj-2021-068947
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6370282/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or worsening of symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic testing. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment. For the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use various methods and units of measurement for conducting similar tests.