Fecal Calprotectin Test - Price, Purpose, Results, Procedure

Table of Content

Introduction to Fecal Calprotectin Test 

A fecal calprotectin test measures the calprotectin level in a stool sample to help detect inflammation in the intestines. It is a member of the S-100 protein family that mostly resides in neutrophils and binds calcium and zinc to various parts of the human body. The inflammatory process triggers neutrophil migration, resulting in calprotectin in feces within the gastrointestinal tissue. Fecal calprotectin is utilized as a biomarker in gastrointestinal illnesses, and its quantities show a strong association with intestinal inflammation. The fecal calprotectin test may help with diagnosis, treatment, and future prediction of whether inflammatory bowel disease or irritable bowel syndrome will appear. 

Redcliffe Labs is India’s trusted diagnostic lab. We are your trusted diagnostic partner in your journey towards betterment. We offer 3600+ tests with our DMLT-certified phlebotomist to visit your home for sample collection. Get 100% report correctness by getting tested at Redcliffe Labs.

Test Details in Brief 

What Does The Fecal Calprotectin Test Measure?

A neutrophil is a particular kind of white blood cell that releases a protein called calprotectin. Calprotectin is released by neutrophils that settle in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract during inflammation. It raises the amount of protein in the feces. The fecal calprotectin test looks for intestinal inflammation by measuring the amount of calprotectin in the feces.

Intestinal inflammation is linked to bacterial GI infections and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but it is not linked to many other conditions that impact bowel function and present with comparable symptoms. Calprotectin is one useful tool for differentiating between inflammatory and non-inflammatory disorders.

IBD is a collection of long-term conditions marked by damaged and inflammatory intestinal lining tissues. Researchers believe that a virus, an environmental element, or a genetic predisposition triggers an autoimmune process, which brings on these conditions, although the exact etiology of IBD is unknown. Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) are the two most prevalent inflammatory bowel illnesses.

Individuals with IBD usually experience periods of remission in between acute disease flare-ups. Abdominal pain, fever, weight loss, and frequent episodes of watery or bloody diarrhea are all symptoms of a flare-up. In the intervals between these episodes, symptoms often go away. In between flare-ups, many patients may experience protracted periods of remission. Testing for calprotectin can help track the course of a disease. The test can be used to identify and assess the level of inflammation. However, it is neither specific nor diagnostic for IBD.

What Does The Fecal Calprotectin Test Used For?

A stool (fecal) test called calprotectin is used to identify intestinal inflammation. If your intestinal inflammation is associated with certain bacterial infections and if it correlates with the intensity and activity of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in individuals who have it. However, the fecal calprotectin test cannot diagnose conditions. The test can be used to monitor the severity of IBD and differentiate it from non-inflammatory disorders.

The test can also be used: 

• To decide whether there is a need for endoscopy. 
• Any intrusive test is needed in case there is no inflammation. 
• For patients who showcase symptoms. 
• To identify diseases and assist in determining their seriousness. 
• To evaluate the condition after diagnosis. 
• To monitor if a person’s calprotectin levels are low, high, or normal. 

Symptoms of the Fecal Calprotectin Test

Signs and symptoms indicating the need for a fecal calprotectin test include: 

• Unexplained weight loss 
• Weakness 
• Excessive bleeding 
• Bloody or watery diarrhea 
• Abdominal pain or cramps 
• Fever 
• Inflammation of the digestive system 

Why Can A Doctor Recommend Taking The Fecal Calprotectin Test?

Your doctor may recommend the test: 

• If they see symptoms of inflammation of the digestive system. 
• If they want to distinguish between IBD and non-inflammatory bowel conditions. 
• If they want to determine the condition 
• If they want to know if you need an endoscopy
• If they want to evaluate the seriousness of the situation,
• If they want to confirm the situation, 
• If they suspect any high inflammatory signs and want to diagnose it. 

Why Do You Need To Take The Fecal Calprotectin Test?

Most cases of watery diarrhea resolve on their own in a day or two, so your provider does not need to test for it. However, if your symptoms worsen or persist after a few days, you might require a calprotectin stool test to rule out intestinal inflammation.

Besides cramps, diarrhea, and stomachache, other signs of intestinal inflammation could be:

• Your stool may contain pus, mucous, or blood. 
• If you see blood or pus in your stool, or if it's black and tarry, get in touch with your healthcare professional immediately.
• Constantly feeling the need to pass gas, even in the absence of any feces. Cramps may be a painful side effect of this illness.
• Having a strong desire to relieve yourself.
• Loss of weight when not attempting to reduce it.
• Calprotectin testing might be necessary if you already have IBD to keep an eye on your illness. This information aids in the therapy selection and monitoring process for your provider.

Preparation for the Fecal Calprotectin Test 

The Fecal calprotectin test needs no specific preparation. The test needs your stool (poop) for testing. Your diagnostic lab center may prescribe certain guidelines for you.

1. Dietary Restrictions: There are usually no dietary requirements to follow to take the fecal calprotectin test. Though specific advice may differ, it is best to heed any guidelines from your healthcare provider.
2. Medication-Related Considerations: Tell your doctor about everything you are currently taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements. They will advise you whether you should take or stop your medications temporarily. 
3. Hydration: Stay hydrated. Drink 8-10 glasses of water throughout the day to maintain hydration and energy levels. 
4. Avoid any laxatives: Laxatives may loosen stool and increase bowel movements, so avoid consuming medicines with them. 

Procedure For The Fecal Calprotectin Test 

The fecal calprotectin test procedure is simple. You will get the stool sample collection kit by booking the fecal calprotectin test at Redcliffe Labs. Here is the procedure for sample collection: 

• Place the stool collection sample over the toilet rim to collect the sample. 
• Ensure that the stool collects in the container only; it doesn’t touch the toilet water or get inside the bowl. 
• Use a clean and disposable spoon to transfer the stool to a container. Fill the container halfway. 
• Close the lid tightly. 
• Put the remaining stool in a plastic wrap and throw it away. 
• Wash your hands with soap and water. 
• Label the container with the required details as guided by the phlebotomist. 
• Hand it over to the phlebotomist. 
• Our phlebotomist will transfer the collected sample to the lab for testing. 
• Once done, you will receive your reports as per the TAT. 

Risks Associated With The Fecal Calprotectin Test 

No risks are associated with stool sample collection for the fecal calprotectin test. However, you may experience contamination and improper handling, leading to inaccurate test results. The test may also cause minor discomfort or hygiene concerns. Make sure to wash your hands carefully. 

Results of Fecal Calprotectin Test 

The fecal calprotectin test determines the level of calprotectin in the blood. It helps diagnose, monitor, and treat IBD or any other condition. The fecal calprotectin test range differs based on whether the level is low, medium, or high. 

• Low Levels are when the range is 50 mcg/g or less and indicate no inflammation. 
• Borderline Levels are when the range is 50.1-120 mcg/g. It indicates mild inflammation that can be treated with IBD or certain medications. 
• High Levels are when the range is above 200 mcg/g. This indicates an active or high-inflammatory process in the gastrointestinal system. 

Calprotectin levels that are normal or low typically indicate the absence of intestinal inflammation and the lack of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). You likely have some sort of non-inflammatory illness causing your symptoms. Your provider might prescribe more testing to determine which ailment is causing your symptoms.

However, an inflamed digestion can still result in normal calprotectin test findings. Doctors refer to this as a "false negative." Most cases of falsely negative calprotectin readings occur in youngsters.

High calprotectin levels typically lead to irritation in your intestines. The degree of inflammation increases with the amount of calprotectin in your feces. Your doctor might retest you in a few weeks to check if your high calprotectin levels have changed.

More testing may be necessary to determine the cause of elevated calprotectin levels as there are several causes. 

High Level of Fecal Calprotectin

• Inflammatory bowel disease 
• Food Poisoning (certain types of bacteria) 
• Celiac diseases 
• Bacterial infection in the intestine (Clostridium difficile) 
• NSAIDs 
• Intestinal cancer 
• Colorectal cancer 
• Cured IBD 

Your doctor might prescribe a colonoscopy if the findings of your calprotectin test indicate that your intestines are inflamed. This aids in your doctor's determination of whether IBD or another illness is causing the inflammation. However, a colonoscopy is unlikely to help diagnose you if the findings of your calprotectin test indicate that your intestines are most likely not inflamed. A calprotectin stool test can prevent needless colonoscopies in this manner.

Is There Anything Else You Should Know?

Stool calprotectin levels can rise in response to any intestinal inflammation.

The intestinal tissue damage and bleeding that can occasionally result from using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can raise the level of calprotectin.

Lactoferrin, another stool test, is associated with calprotectin. White blood cells secrete both chemicals, lactoferrin, and calprotectin, in the feces, and they are associated with intestinal inflammation.

Calprotectin levels can occasionally be low even in the presence of inflammation (a false negative). It is most commonly observed in children.

Fecal Calprotectin Test Price at Redcliffe Labs 

Redcliffe Labs, a PAN India diagnostic service provider offers over 3600 tests, and fecal calprotectin test is one of them. The fecal calprotectin test price is INR 3200. Our lab technicians are experts in testing from blood to stool samples. Our lab technicians administer this test excellently, which is vital for evaluating intestinal inflammation. The fecal calprotectin test cost may differ based on location. With our presence in 220+ cities in India, we prove the fecal calprotectin test cost is at an affordable range, and we also have the shortest TAT of 3 days. Choosing Redcliffe Labs is pocket-friendly and convenient. 

Fecal Calprotectin Test Cost in Different Cities - Redcliffe Labs

Note: We also offer Fecal Calprotectin Test PAN India. Please call the number 8988988787 to check the availability of our services in your area.

Book The Fecal Calprotectin Test @ Redcliffe Labs 

If you see signs or your doctor prescribes the fecal calprotectin test, get it from Redcliffe Labs. We are available in PAN India with a home sample collection service, that too at an affordable price. Our TAT is the shortest, i.e., 3 days. We believe in providing the right diagnostic service to every Indian. So, take care of your digestive system and book the fecal calprotectin test today.