Laboratory Services

Calprotectin, Feces

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Updated Test Information:

Test Description
Calprotectin, Feces
Synonym(s)

Calprotectin

Test ID
CALPR
General Information

Useful for:



  • Evaluation of patients suspected of having a gastrointestinal inflammatory process

  • Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), when used in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities, including endoscopy, histology, and imaging

Specimen Type

Stool

Specimen Requirements

Sterile Container

Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions

Collect a fresh random fecal specimen - no preservatives

Minimum Sample Volume

1 gm

Additional Processing Details

  • Frozen: preferred

  • Refrigerated: send immediately after collection

  • Refrigerated or thawed specimens received > 72 hours post-collection will be rejected

  • Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Specimen must be split prior to transport

  • Testing cannot be added on to a previously collected specimen

Stability

  • Frozen (preferred): 7 days

  • Refrigerated: 72 hours

Unacceptable Specimen Conditions

Specimens collected from diapers

Limitations

  • Elevations in fecal calprotectin are not diagnostic for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and normal fecal calprotectin concentrations do not exclude the possibility of IBD. Diagnosis of IBD should be based on clinical evaluation, endoscopy, histology, and imaging studies

  • Borderline results in fecal calprotectin may be observed in patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), aspirin, or proton-pump inhibitors

  • For borderline results, repeat testing in 4 to 6 weeks is suggested

  • Elevations in fecal calprotectin may be observed in other disease states associated with neutrophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, including celiac disease, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal infections

  • Falsely decreased concentrations of fecal calprotectin may be observed in patients with neutropenia or granulocytopenia

  • Due to the lack of homogenous distribution of calprotectin in fecal material, variability in results may be seen when patients are monitored over time, particularly in samples with high calprotectin concentrations.

Methodology

Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA)

Estimated TAT

3-5 days

Testing Schedule

Monday-Friday

Retention

None

CPT Code(s)

83993

Reference Range
Range (mcg/g) Interpretation
≤ 50.0 Normal
50.1 - 120.0 Borderline
≥ 120.1 Abnormal
Performing Lab

Mayo

LOINC Code(s)

38445-3

Additional Information