<span font-size:12.0pt"="">OVERVIEW
Calprotectin is a protein released by a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. When there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, neutrophils move to the area and release calprotectin, resulting in an increased level in the stool. This test measures the level of calprotectin in stool as a way to detect inflammation in the intestines.
Intestinal inflammation is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and with some bacterial GI infections, but it is not associated with many other disorders that affect bowel function and cause similar symptoms. Calprotectin can be used to help distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.
What is it used for?
To detect inflammation in the intestines; to distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-inflammatory bowel conditions; to monitor IBD activity
Should I eat something else before getting the test done?
No, no special diet should be taken.
Is there anything else regarding the test I should know?
Inflammation in the intestines can cause an increase in stool calprotectin. Calprotectin can also be increased with intestinal tissue damage and bleeding.
Can a blood test be substituted for a stool calprotectin test?
No., however there are other blood tests to detect inflammation but they won’t give the same information.
When should I get the test done?
Calprotectin test should be done when the symptoms occur which are as follows:
Bloody diarrhea
Watery diarrhea
Weight loss
Fever
Abdominal pain
Cramps
Rectal bleeding
Weakness
INTERPRETATIONS
An elevated calprotectin level is a person's stool indicates that inflammation is likely present in the intestines but does not indicate either its location or cause. In general, the degree of elevation is associated with the severity of the inflammation.
Increases in calprotectin are seen with IBD, but also with bacterial infections, some parasitic infections, and with colorectal cancer. An endoscopy (colonoscopy or sigmoidoscopy) may be indicated as a follow-up test to help determine the cause of inflammation, signs, and symptoms.
In people newly diagnosed with IBD, concentrations of calprotectin may be very high.
A low calprotectin means that signs and symptoms are likely due to a non-inflammatory bowel disorder. Examples of these include viral infections in the digestive tract and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Unlike IBD, IBS does not cause inflammation. Rather, it causes cramp-like stomach pains and spasms with bouts of diarrhea and/or constipation. In people with low calprotectin results, an endoscopy is less likely to be indicated or useful.
A moderate calprotectin level may indicate that there is some inflammation present or that a person's condition is worsening. A repeated calprotectin test with a result that is still moderately elevated or that has increased is likely to require further investigation and may warrant an endoscopy.
To get inflammation in the intestines, to distinguish between inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and non-inflammatory bowel conditions, to monitor IBD.
