What is the purpose of a Calprotectin stool test?
A calprotectin stool test is done if your doctor suspects an inflammation in the intestinal tract. If you do have inflammation in your gastrointestinal (GI) tract, neutrophils which are a type of white blood cells immediately travel to the area of inflammation. After which Calprotectin which is a protein is released. This release of calprotectin results in a high level of protein in a person’s stool. Therefore, the test helps measure the level of protein in the stool to show how much inflammation is on the intestines.
This test is non-invasive, all you have to do is provide a sample of your stool. The container to use will be given to you by your doctor. Your doctor will instruct you that there should be no urine or liquid in your stool as it contaminates the sample and affects the results.
Your doctor may recommend a Calprotectin stool test for a person if they observe symptoms of IBD. Symptoms of IBD include:
- Bloody diarrhea [5]
- Water diarrhea [6]
- Pain in the abdomen
- Cramps
- Fever [7]
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Bleeding from the rectum
This test will help determine if you have IBD or a non-inflammatory bowel condition, like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
Your doctor can also conduct a calprotectin stool test after a person has been diagnosed with IBD. The test will help determine the level of inflammation, tell its progress and help determine if the treatment plan is working effectively or if a change is needed.
A Calprotectin stool test is also done if a person is experiencing IBD flare-ups. This will help determine the severity of the person’s intestinal inflammation in comparison with their baseline levels.