Disclaimer: This is general health information only and is not a substitute for advice from your GP or healthcare professional.
1. What is faecal calprotectin?
Faecal calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells that appears in the stool when there is inflammation in the intestines. It is used as a non-invasive marker to detect gut inflammation.
2. How is faecal calprotectin related to IBD?
In people with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, calprotectin levels in the stool are often elevated. It helps distinguish IBD from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which does not cause intestinal inflammation.
3. How is the test done?
The test is done by collecting a small stool sample and sending it to a laboratory. Results are usually reported as micrograms per gram of stool. Higher levels suggest active intestinal inflammation.
4. What do the results mean?
Normal/low levels: Unlikely to have active intestinal inflammation. Mildly elevated: May indicate mild inflammation or early disease. Significantly elevated: Suggests active inflammation, likely IBD flare or severe disease.
5. Can medications affect calprotectin levels?
Yes. Anti-inflammatory drugs, biologics, or recent infection can influence calprotectin results. Your doctor will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and treatment.
6. Is faecal calprotectin a diagnostic test?
It is not a definitive diagnosis of IBD but is used as a screening and monitoring tool. Abnormal results usually prompt further investigation, such as colonoscopy or imaging.
7. How is calprotectin used in IBD management?
It helps doctors monitor disease activity, assess response to treatment, predict flares, and decide when to adjust therapy. Regular monitoring can reduce the need for frequent invasive tests.
8. Can calprotectin distinguish between Crohn’s and ulcerative colitis?
No. While calprotectin indicates intestinal inflammation, it cannot determine the specific type of IBD. Diagnosis of Crohn’s versus ulcerative colitis requires endoscopy, imaging, and biopsy.
9. How often should calprotectin be measured?
Frequency depends on your IBD activity and treatment plan. It may be checked during flares, after treatment changes, or periodically to monitor disease stability.
10. When should I see a doctor regarding calprotectin results?
See your doctor if you have high calprotectin levels, worsening symptoms, unexplained changes in bowel habits, or signs of a flare, so timely management can prevent complications.
