What is a Fecal
Calprotectin Test?: Understanding the Purpose of the Test

Fecal calprotectin is
a protein that is released from the cytoplasm of neutrophils, a type of white
blood cell, into surrounding tissues during inflammation. It is found in feces
and is used as a biomarker for intestinal inflammation. When the intestinal
lining is inflamed or damaged, as occurs in conditions such as inflammatory
bowel disease, more calprotectin is released into the intestines and passes out
of the body in stool. Measuring the level of calprotectin in feces can help
assess whether inflammation is present in the gastrointestinal tract.



Purpose of the Test



The main purpose of measuring fecal calprotectin levels is to help diagnose and
monitor inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), which include ulcerative colitis and
Crohn's disease. Elevated fecal calprotectin levels indicate active intestinal
inflammation. This test can assist in differentiating IBD from irritable bowel
syndrome (IBS), which is a functional gastrointestinal disorder not associated
with intestinal inflammation. It can also help determine if IBD is in remission
or experiencing a flare-up. Fecal calprotectin may offer several advantages
over other diagnostic tests by directly measuring inflammatory activity in the
gut.



Preparing for the Fecal Calprotectin Test



For the test, no special diet or medications need to be stopped. Fecal
Calprotectin Test However, it is recommended to avoid nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), if possible, for 1-2 weeks prior to stool
collection as NSAIDs can elevate calprotectin levels. Stool samples should be
collected within 24-48 hours prior to delivery to the lab. The collection
container will contain a preservative solution that stabilizes the calprotectin
proteins. Samples should be refrigerated until delivery. Testing should not be
done during gastrointestinal infections as these can also result in temporary
elevations.



How the Fecal Calprotectin Test is Performed



When the stool sample arrives at the laboratory, it is processed to extract
calprotectin proteins from the feces. Then an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay
(ELISA) test is performed to quantify the amount of calprotectin present. ELISA
uses antibodies to detect and measure the level of calprotectin. Most
commercial laboratories can report calprotectin levels quantitatively in
micrograms of calprotectin per gram of feces (mcg/g). A normal calprotectin
level is considered below 50 mcg/g. Levels between 50-150 mcg/g may represent
mild inflammation and above 150 mcg/g usually indicates active intestinal
inflammation.

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Calprotectin Test