Faecal Calprotectin
- Description
- Faecal calprotectin is a non-invasive stool test that measures the concentration of calprotectin, a protein released by neutrophils during inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. The test is performed on the Diasorin LIAISON XL analyser using a chemiluminescent immunoassay (CLIA). Calprotectin is stable in stool, allowing samples to be collected and transported to the laboratory for analysis.
- Clinical details
Faecal calprotectin is used as a marker of gastrointestinal inflammation and can help distinguish inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, from non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Faecal calprotectin concentrations generally correlate with disease activity in IBD and can therefore be used to monitor disease activity and response to treatment. Elevated concentrations may also occur in other gastrointestinal conditions, including colorectal cancer and results should be interpreted alongside the patient’s clinical history and other investigations.
- Related condition
- Reference range
<50 µg/g faeces
Not applicable to patients under 5 years of age.
- Units
µg/g faeces
- Synonyms
CALP, FCALP
- Testing site
- Synnovis : Reference Services : Blackfriars Hub
- Laboratory
- Gastrointestinal
- Sample type and volume required
Random faecal sample collected at any time of day. No dietary restrictions are required. Collect approximately 1g of faeces in a plain universal container.
- Special sample instructions
Samples that are grossly contaminated with blood, mucus or food, or that contain tissue, cotton buds or other foreign material are unsuitable for faecal calprotectin analysis.
- Storage and transport
Samples should be sent to the laboratory as soon as possible after collection. Samples may be stored refrigerated or frozen prior to transport. Unfrozen samples should reach the laboratory within 4 days of collection.
- Turnaround time
10 working days.
- Patient instructions
Pass the stool into a clean, dry container or onto a clean disposable surface, avoiding contact with toilet water or cleaning products. Using the collection device provided, transfer approximately 1g (a pea-sized amount) of faeces into a plain universal container and secure the lid tightly.
- Contacts
Gastrointestinal Laboratory at Blackfriars Hub
Phone: 020 459 10046
Email: Gilab@synnovis.co.uk
Gastrointestinal Laboratory
Floor 2, Synnovis hub
Friars Bridge Court
41-43 Blackfriars Road
London, SE1 8NZ