Faecal Calprotectin

Why Is a Faecal Calprotectin Test Done?

The Faecal Calprotectin Test is primarily used to:

• Help diagnose Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): It helps distinguish between IBD and other gastrointestinal conditions, like IBS, which do not cause significant inflammation.

• Monitor Disease Activity: For patients already diagnosed with IBD, it helps to monitor the level of inflammation in the intestines and guide treatment decisions.

• Detect Active Inflammation: It can detect ongoing intestinal inflammation even before you experience noticeable symptoms.

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How Does the Faecal Calprotectin Test Work?

Calprotectin is a protein produced by white blood cells in response to inflammation. When there is inflammation in the intestines, the level of calprotectin in the stool increases. The test measures this level and can help identify whether there is inflammation in the digestive tract.

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​When Should You Have a Faecal Calprotectin Test?

Your doctor may recommend a Faecal Calprotectin Test if you:

• Have symptoms such as chronic diarrhoea, abdominal pain, bloody stools, or weight loss, which may suggest intestinal inflammation.

• Are being tested for conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

• Have been diagnosed with IBD and need to monitor your disease activity and inflammation levels.

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How is the Faecal Calprotectin Test Done?

The Faecal Calprotectin Test is simple and non-invasive. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Collecting the Sample: You will be asked to provide a stool sample, which can be done at home using a special collection kit provided by Mr Ferguson.

2. Sending the Sample to the Lab: After collecting the stool sample, you will need to send it to a laboratory for testing. The lab will measure the level of calprotectin in your stool.

3. Results: Mr Ferguson will receive the results and explain what they mean. A normal result means there is little or no inflammation in the intestines. A high level of calprotectin suggests the presence of inflammation, which may indicate a condition like IBD, an infection, or other gastrointestinal issues.

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What Do the Results Mean?

• Normal Result: A low or normal level of calprotectin typically suggests that you do not have significant intestinal inflammation. If you are being tested for IBD, a normal result can help rule out this condition.

• Elevated Result: A high level of calprotectin suggests the presence of inflammation in the intestines, but it does not specifically point to a cause. Elevated calprotectin levels can be found in conditions such as:

  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

  • Infections: Certain bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections can also cause inflammation.

  • Colon Cancer or Polyps: In rare cases, high calprotectin levels can be associated with these conditions.

  • Other Conditions: Conditions like celiac disease may also cause elevated levels of calprotectin.

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An elevated result will typically lead to further testing to determine the exact cause of the inflammation.

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What Happens if Your Test Result is Elevated?

If your faecal calprotectin test result is elevated, it suggests inflammation in your intestines. However, it does not directly diagnose the cause of the inflammation. Your doctor may recommend further testing, such as:

• Colonoscopy: A procedure where a flexible tube with a camera is used to look inside your colon and rectum to check for inflammation, ulcers, or other issues.

• Blood Tests: To check for infections, anemia, or signs of autoimmune conditions.

• Imaging Tests: MRI or CT scans may be used to evaluate the health of your digestive tract.

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Summary

Faecal Calprotectin is a helpful tool in diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory conditions in the intestines. It’s non-invasive, simple to perform, and provides valuable information about the level of inflammation in your digestive tract. If your test results are abnormal, Mr Ferguson will guide you on the next steps, which may include further tests or treatments to manage your condition.