Fecal calprotectin, quantitative

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. Quantitative measurement of calprotectin in stool provides a non-invasive assessment of inflammatory activity in the gastrointestinal tract.

Elevated calprotectin levels may be associated with inflammatory processes in the intestine, including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. The test is used in the evaluation of patients with digestive symptoms 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;
• differentiation, when clinically indicated, between inflammatory bowel disease and functional disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome;
• monitoring the activity of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis;
• evaluation of the response to treatment for inflammatory bowel diseases.

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

Fecal calprotectin levels can be influenced by various factors and are not specific to a single disease. An elevated calprotectin level does not automatically confirm the presence of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

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

Sources:

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5390326/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faecal_calprotectin
https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease/calprotectin-stool-test
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calprotectin-stool-test/
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p303.html
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6370282/
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/calprotectin-stool-test

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 symptoms or a worsening condition, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic tests and treatment. Only a qualified specialist can provide an accurate diagnosis and determine the appropriate treatment plan. For the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have the tests conducted at the same laboratory, as different laboratories may use varying methods and units of measurement for similar tests.