Calprotectin test! Fecal calprotectin test!

Calprotectin Stool test at Home in Dubai – 24/7

If you are experiencing unexplained stomach symptoms, or altered bowel habits, or other vague symptoms of gut, yes you are at right place. Calprotectin stool test, also known as Fecal calprotectin test, is a simple, non invasive stool test, that offers an easy way to detect  inflammation in the intestines. 

We at Medilife offer you  service in the comfort of your home for affordable prices by trained healthcare professionals.

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fecal calprotectin test

What is Calprotectin Stool Test?

Calprotectin is a protein produced by white blood cells (neutrophils) in response to inflammation. When there’s inflammation in the intestines, white blood cells called neutrophils travel to the inflamed area and release calprotectin to fight off disease or infection.

Calprotectin Stool Test or Fecal Calprotectin test is a non-invasive test that may help detect and measure inflammation levels in your intestine. High Calprotectin levels  in your stool may be an indication of a health condition affecting your gut such as:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease
  • bacterial, viral, or parasitic infections
  • colorectal or intestinal cancer

Test for gut inflammation! Crohn's disease test!

Who can take Calprotectin Stool Test?

calprotectin stool test is done if you’re experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms like:

  • watery or persistent diarrhoea
  • abdominal cramping
  • blood or mucus in your stool
  • black, tarry stools
  • stomach pain
  • frequent, urgent need to have a bowel movement
  • unexplained weight loss
  • rectal bleeding
  • bloating

What does Calprotectin test results mean?

  • High calprotectin levels in your stool indicate intestinal inflammation, which may be a sign of ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, infection or colorectal cancer.
  • Moderate or low levels mean there’s little to no inflammation in the intestines, so your symptoms are most likely caused by a noninflammatory bowel condition.

What are the reasons or causes for high Calprotectin levels?

Having a raised calprotectin level generally means you have active inflammation in your body. The higher the level of faecal calprotectin the more inflammation present in your intestines.

Causes of raised faecal calprotectin include:

  • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) – such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
  • Gastroenteritis – infections caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites can lead to inflammation in the gut.
  • Mild diverticulitis (inflammation or infection of the diverticula)
  • Irritation of the gut lining causing an inflammatory response (could be caused by NSAIDs, like aspirin or ibuprofen, or excessive alcohol)
  • Medications, such as proton pump inhibitors
  • Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) – some people with IBS do have mildly raised faecal calprotectin levels, suggesting low-grade inflammation or increased immune cell activity in the gut
  • In some cases raised faecal calprotectin is seen in cases of colorectal cancer, however calprotectin alone is not enough to diagnosis cancer and further investigations are needed

Procedure and Preparation for the test

Calprotectin is measured through a stool sample You will be provided with a vial to collect the stool, following which it is sent to designated laboratory for calprotectin level estimation. Follow the following instructions for collecting sample:

  • Collect a stool sample as instructed.
  • Make sure the stool doesn’t mix with any urine (pee), toilet paper, or water from the toilet.
  • Close the container tightly.
  • Wash your hands well with soap and water.
  • Return the container.

Preparation:

  • Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking  at least 24 hours before your calprotectin test, as these may vary your test results.
  • Some medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), should be avoided as they may also affect your test results.

What is the normal level of Calprotectin?

There are many different manufacturers of calprotectin tests and the cut-off value differs from test to test. The most common cut-off value recommended by the test manufacturers is 50 µg/g for a negative test.

  • A positive test is generally considered to be over 120 µg/g and you will probably need to undergo further testing.
  • Results between 50-120 µg/g are generally considered to be borderline and your doctor may want to wait a few months and repeat the test.

Stool test for inflammation! Calprotectin test for IBD! Ulcerative colitis diagnostic test!

Frequently asked Questions (FAQs)

Calprotectin is a protein produced by white blood cells (neutrophils) in response to inflammation

A calprotectin stool test is a non-invasive test that may help detect and measure inflammation levels in your intestine.When there’s inflammation in the intestines, white blood cells called neutrophils travel to the inflamed area and release calprotectin to fight off disease or infection.

The calprotectin test on stool sample. you will be given a labeled container for collection of stool, following which it is sent to laboratory for estimation of calprotectin levels.

Calprotectin test value can show variation based on lab cut off criteria, generally the normal calprotectin value is 49 ug/g or less.

 The calprotectin test may be recommended if you have symptoms like:

  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal pain
  • Black, tarry stools
  • Blood or mucus in stool
  • Always feeling like you need to move your bowels (poop) even when there’s no stool. 
  • unexplained weight loss

Before taking the test the preparation involves:

  • Avoiding alcohol consumption and smoking at least 24 hours before your calprotectin test, as these may skew your test results.
  • Avoid NSAIDs like aspirin, ibuprofen before test.

Several conditions can cause high calprotectin levels, so you may need other tests to find the cause. In general:

Very high levels of calprotectin are often linked to:

    • Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
    • Food poisoning caused by certain types of bacteria

Somewhat high levels of calprotectin are often linked to:

    • Intestinal or colorectal cancer
    • Celiac disease
    • Certain bacterial infections in your intestines, such as Clostridium difficile
    • Taking NSAIDs
    • IBD that has been treated