Order before 2:00 PM - your package will be shipped the same day!
Calprotectin
Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells that serves as a marker of inflammation, particularly in the gut. Measuring calprotectin levels in stool helps assess the degree of intestinal inflammation. This test is useful for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and for distinguishing them from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which typically does not elevate calprotectin levels.
Description
Who Would Benefit from Testing Their Calprotectin Levels (in feces)?
Individuals experiencing symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders, such as chronic diarrhea, abdominal pain, or unexplained weight loss, would benefit from fecal calprotectin testing. It’s particularly useful for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis and for distinguishing these conditions from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which typically does not elevate calprotectin levels.
What is the Difference Between Calprotectin in Blood vs. Feces?
Calprotectin levels in the blood can indicate systemic inflammation and are not specific to the gastrointestinal tract. In contrast, fecal calprotectin specifically reflects inflammation in the intestines. Elevated fecal calprotectin is a more direct indicator of intestinal disorders, whereas blood levels may rise due to various inflammatory conditions throughout the body.
What Does It Mean If Your Fecal Calprotectin Is High?
Very high calprotectin levels are found, for example, in active chronic inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases, invasive enteritis or extensive ulcerative colorectal carcinoma. People with chronic diffuse gastrointestinal diseases, food allergies or malabsorption instead show lower to moderately elevated levels.
What is the connection between calprotectin and the intestinal mucosa?
The connection between calprotectin and the intestinal mucosa lies in calprotectin’s role as a marker of inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. Here’s how they are connected:
- Indicator of Inflammation: Calprotectin is released from white blood cells into the intestines during inflammation. Elevated levels of calprotectin in the feces are often a direct response to inflammation in the intestinal mucosa.
- Detecting Intestinal Disorders: High calprotectin levels can indicate disorders that cause inflammation of the intestinal lining, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), including Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.
- Monitoring Disease Activity: In patients with known intestinal disorders, measuring calprotectin helps assess the severity and activity of the disease. It can indicate whether the intestinal mucosa is inflamed and how effectively a treatment is working.
Tests containing this item
Lab TestThe Gut Microbiome Test XL is for those who really want to understand their health. Whether you have IBS/IBD, stomach issues like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis, weight problems, diseases such as Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s, depression, or other diffuse problems with no apparent cause, this test can provide answers to any gut imbalances you may have. It is our most comprehensive and best-selling gut health test.
€ 279.99 EUR
Lab TestGetTested’s Gut Microbiome Test Large is the test for you who want a comprehensive overview of your gut health. Many health problems arise from imbalances in our gut and this test is an in-depth analysis of your gut by measuring the presence of bacteria, yeast, the pH of the stool and digestive functions, such as pancreatic elastase, bile acids, digestive residues, as well as alpha-1 antitrypsin, calprotectin and secretory IgA.
€ 219.99 EUR
Lab TestGetTested’s IBS test is an in-depth gastrointestinal test that analyses the intestinal flora (bacteria and yeast), digestive function such as pancreatic elastase, bile acids, digestive residues, as well as alpha-1 antitrypsin, calprotectin and secretory IgA. The IBS Test is suitable for you who wish to make a thorough examination of your gut, as many of our health problems arise from imbalances in our gut.
€ 219.99 EUR
