Clinical Indications

Faecal calprotectin is a neutrophil marker protein that gives an objective measure of inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), i.e. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease. Calprotectin is a non-specific marker of gastrointestinal disease of both inflammatory and neoplastic character. and its high sensitivity and negative predictive values can be useful to select patients for colonoscopy. 
It may also be useful for early detection of relapse in IBD and monitoring disease activity and response to treatment.

Request Form 

Combined Pathology Blood form (Yellow/Black or Blue for GP's)

Availability

Analysed by referral laboratory if specific criteria met.

Specific Criteria

Requested by Consultant Gastroenterologist and agreed with Consultant Biochemist.

Turnaround Time

3 weeks

Specimen

Calprotectin is evenly distributed in stools so that only a small stool sample (blue topped universal) is required for analysis.

Volume

5 grams

Container

Blue Capped Universal

Lab. Handling

Store at 4'C (the protein is stable and samples can be stored for several days at room temperature). Send sample by first class post.

Causes for Rejection

Not meeting specific criteria for analysis. 

Reference Range