Calprotectin Test

Calprotectin is a stool (fecal) test that is used to detect inflammation in the intestines and digestive system. Intestinal inflammation is associated with bacterial infections and in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Signs and symptoms of IBD will vary from person to person and over time. They may include one or more of the following: Bloody or watery diarrhea Abdominal cramps or pain Fever Weight loss Rectal bleeding Weakness

There is no specific test preparation that is to be taken before the collection of the sample. The stool sample is collected in a clean container provided by the laboratory. This sample should be uncontaminated by urine or water. The sample should be taken to the reference laboratory for testing and it may take few days before results are available.

Calprotectin test is generally prescribed by doctors when they suspect irritable bowel syndrome in their patients. Calprotectin tests are useful in distinguishing between IBD and non-inflammatory bowel condition. Determination of the levels of faecal calprotectin is also useful in pediatrics and neonatology High sensitivity and specificity of calprotectin makes it more reliable for detecting bowel information in infants and newborns.

Stool sample taken is tested for calprotectin levels. Calprotectin is released by neutrophils which is a type of white blood cell. When there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, neutrophils move to the area and release calprotectin which results in an increased level of the protein in the stool. This test measures the calprotectin levels in stool to detect inflammation in the intestines. The results of a calprotectin test are generally given as a single number. This number will be compared against the cut-off value for the calprotectin test . If the number is below the cut-off value , it is considered to be at normal levels. If the levels are above the cut-off value, it is considered as positive and abnormal. The faecal calprotectin test may be repeated if the level is near the cutoff value at a later date.