Fecal calprotectin (qualitative)

Fecal Calprotectin (Qualitative)

We remind you that independent interpretation of the results is unacceptable, the information provided below is for reference purposes only.

Fecal calprotectin is a protein that is present in the cytoplasm of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell. It is released during inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, making it a useful marker for detecting inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Structure and Function of Calprotectin

Calprotectin is a heterodimer composed of two subunits, S100A8 (calgranulin A) and S100A9 (calgranulin B). It has antimicrobial properties and plays a role in the regulation of inflammatory processes and the immune response.

During intestinal inflammation, neutrophils migrate to the site of inflammation and release calprotectin, which can then be detected in fecal samples. The level of fecal calprotectin correlates with the severity of the inflammatory process, making it a useful non-invasive test for monitoring IBD activity and response to treatment.

The Role of Fecal Calprotectin in Diagnostics

Fecal calprotectin is a protein released by neutrophils, a type of white blood cell involved in the inflammatory response. Elevated levels of fecal calprotectin can indicate inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, making it a useful marker for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

Indications for Fecal Calprotectin Testing

Fecal calprotectin testing is recommended in the following situations:

• Diagnosis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD): Elevated fecal calprotectin levels can help distinguish IBD from other gastrointestinal disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which do not involve intestinal inflammation.
• Monitoring of IBD activity: Regular fecal calprotectin testing can help assess the activity and severity of IBD, guiding treatment decisions and monitoring response to therapy.
• Evaluation of gastrointestinal symptoms: In cases of persistent gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhea, abdominal pain, or rectal bleeding, fecal calprotectin testing can help determine if inflammation is present, aiding in the diagnosis.
• Screening for IBD in high-risk individuals: Fecal calprotectin testing may be recommended for individuals with a family history of IBD or other risk factors, even in the absence of symptoms, as a screening tool.

Preparation for the Test

Preparing for the Fecal Calprotectin (Qualitative) test typically involves the following steps:

• Dietary restrictions: You may be advised to follow a specific diet or avoid certain foods for a few days before the test. This helps ensure accurate results by minimizing interference from dietary factors.
• Avoiding medications: Certain medications, such as anti-inflammatory drugs or antibiotics, may need to be temporarily discontinued before the test, as they can potentially affect the calprotectin levels.
• Timing: The test may need to be scheduled at a specific time, such as in the morning before any bowel movement, to ensure accurate sample collection.
• Providing a stool sample: You will be instructed on how to properly collect and store the stool sample for the test. This may involve using a specialized collection kit or container.

Test Procedure

The Fecal Calprotectin (Qualitative) test involves the following steps:

1. Stool sample collection: You will be provided with instructions on how to collect a small portion of your stool sample using the provided container or kit.
2. Sample storage and transportation: The collected stool sample must be stored and transported to the laboratory according to the provided instructions, which may involve refrigeration or immediate delivery.
3. Laboratory analysis: At the laboratory, the stool sample will be analyzed using specialized techniques to detect the presence or absence of calprotectin, a protein marker associated with intestinal inflammation.

Sources:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Faecal_calprotectin
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/calprotectin-stool-test/
https://www.healthline.com/health/crohns-disease/calprotectin-stool-test
https://bmcgastroenterol.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12876-022-02220-1
https://www.aafp.org/pubs/afp/issues/2021/0900/p303.html
https://www.bmj.com/content/380/bmj-2021-068947
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6370282/

IMPORTANT!

It is crucial to remember that the information provided in this section is not intended for self-diagnosis or self-treatment. If you experience any pain or worsening of symptoms, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnostic testing. Only a qualified specialist can make an accurate diagnosis and determine appropriate treatment. For the most accurate and consistent evaluation of test results, it is recommended to have them performed at the same laboratory. This is because different laboratories may use various methods and units of measurement for conducting similar tests.