Calprotectin, Faecal
Clinical Background:
Calprotectin is a calcium-binding protein secreted predominantly by neutrophils and monocytes. Faecal Calprotectin is a marker for neoplasic and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.
It is often ...
Calprotectin is a calcium-binding protein secreted predominantly by neutrophils and monocytes. Faecal Calprotectin is a marker for neoplasic and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases.
It is often difficult to distinguish between irritable bowel syndrome and chronic inflammatory bowel disease. The measurement of Calprotectin in stool samples allows clear differentiation between the two patient groups.
Indications for use include:-
Marker for acute inflammation
Estimation of the degree of gastrointestinal inflammation
Parameter for monitoring Crohn‘s disease, Colitis ulcerosa or the patient‘s status after removal of polyps.
Discrimination between patients with inflammatory bowel disease (acute Crohn‘s disease and ulcerative colitis) and irritable bowel syndrome when using a faecal test.
Test Details
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Discipline:
Biochemistry
Biochemistry
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Specimen Container Adult:
Plain universal container
Plain universal container
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Specimen Container Paediatric:
Plain universal container
Plain universal container
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Minimum Volume Adult:
Small, pea size amount of faeces
Small, pea size amount of faeces
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Minimum Volume Paediatric:
Small, pea size amount of faeces
Small, pea size amount of faeces
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Special Requirement:
Do not overfill the universal container
Do not overfill the universal container
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Sample Stability:
6 days at 2-8C
6 days at 2-8C
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Interpretation:
Faecal Calprotectin levels correlate significantly with histologic and endoscopic assessment of disease activity in Crohn‘s disease and ulcerative colitis as well as with the faecal excretion of in...
Read MoreFaecal Calprotectin levels correlate significantly with histologic and endoscopic assessment of disease activity in Crohn‘s disease and ulcerative colitis as well as with the faecal excretion of indium-111-labelled neutrophilic granulocytes that has been suggested as the “gold standard“ of disease activity in inflammatory bowel disease. Elevated levels of Calprotectin are a much better predictor of relapse than standard inflammatory markers (CRP, ESR Hb). The parameter is of a high diagnostic value: if the Calprotectin level in stool is low, the probability is high that no organic intestinal disease exists.
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Reference Ranges:
First Faecal calprotectin <100 ug/g Inflammatory bowel disease very unlikely & IBS likely
First Faecal calprotectin 100-250ug/g Indeterminate result, repeat a...
Read MoreFirst Faecal calprotectin <100 ug/g Inflammatory bowel disease very unlikely & IBS likely
First Faecal calprotectin 100-250ug/g Indeterminate result, repeat after 2-4 weeks
Repeat faecal calprotectin <100ug/g IBS likely
Repeat faecal calprotectin 100 – 250ug/g In symptomatic individuals, Inflammatory bowel disease possible, suggest referral to gastroenterology via the IBD referral assessment service (IBD RAS)
First/ Repeat Faecal calprotectin >250ug/g In symptomatic individuals, Inflammatory bowel disease likely, suggest urgent referral to gastroenterology via the IBD referral assessment service (IBD RAS)
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Routine Contact Name:
Duty Biochemist
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Routine Telephone:
Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719Freeman: 0191 244 8889
RVI: 0191 282 9719 -
Routine Email: