Calprotectin Stool Test

What is a Calprotectin Stool Test?

The Calprotectin Stool Test is a non-invasive test that measures the amount of calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells in your intestines when inflammation occurs. This test helps your doctor distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases (like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis) and non-inflammatory conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

By measuring this inflammation marker in your stool, the test provides valuable insights into gut health without the need for invasive procedures like colonoscopy. The test requires a small stool sample, usually collected in the morning, and can be done conveniently from home.

What Does a Calprotectin Stool Test Measure?

The Calprotectin Stool Test assesses intestinal inflammation by detecting the presence of calprotectin, a protein released during immune activation in your digestive tract:

• Detects Gut Inflammation: Measures calprotectin levels to identify intestinal inflammation.
• Differentiates IBD from IBS: Helps determine whether symptoms are due to inflammatory bowel disease or a functional bowel condition.
• Monitors IBD Activity: Tracks disease progression and treatment effectiveness in known IBD cases.
• Guides Treatment Decisions: Helps doctors decide when more aggressive or maintenance therapy is required.
• Avoids Unnecessary Procedures: Helps determine whether an invasive colonoscopy is necessary.

Calprotectin Stool Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done

What Symptoms May Call for a Calprotectin Stool Test?

Doctors recommend this test if you have symptoms that suggest intestinal inflammation, such as:

• Persistent or chronic diarrhoea (watery or bloody)
• Abdominal pain, bloating, or discomfort
• Rectal bleeding or mucus in stool
• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
• Changes in bowel habits lasting more than a few weeks

Who Should Get a Calprotectin Stool Test?

• People with suspected Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
• Patients with ongoing digestive symptoms despite treatment
• Individuals with a family history of inflammatory bowel disease
• Those being monitored for relapse or treatment response in IBD
• Patients who need evaluation before undergoing endoscopy

Why Is a Calprotectin Stool Test Done?

• It helps determine if inflammation in your bowel is due to IBD rather than IBS or other causes.
• It’s also valuable for monitoring disease activity and predicting potential flare-ups in diagnosed IBD patients.

Importance of a Calprotectin Stool Test

• The Calprotectin Stool Test is an essential tool in gastrointestinal diagnostics.
• It offers a reliable, non-invasive way to detect inflammation in your intestines, often eliminating the need for early colonoscopy.
• It supports accurate diagnosis, helps monitor treatment response in IBD, and allows doctors to tailor treatment plans for better symptom control and long-term management.

Calprotectin Stool Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare India

How to Book the Calprotectin Stool Test and Get Your Reports?

1. Simple Online Booking
   Book your Calprotectin Stool Test easily through the Metropolis Healthcare app or website. Choose a convenient time and select home collection or visit the nearest Metropolis Lab.
2. Safe Home Sample Collection
   Our trained phlebotomists or technicians provide hygienic, secure stool sample collection kits for at-home collection.
3. Sample Tracking Updates
   Track your test progress from collection to result delivery through the Metropolis Healthcare website.
4. Accurate Laboratory Testing
   Your sample is analysed at NABL & CAP accredited laboratories using advanced chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) technology for precise results.
5. Quick & Easy Reports
   Receive your reports via email, WhatsApp, or download them directly from the Metropolis Healthcare app or website.

Is Home Sample Collection for Calprotectin Stool Test Available Near You?

Yes, Metropolis Healthcare provides home stool sample collection services. Our team ensures safe and hygienic handling, saving you time and avoiding the need to visit a hospital or collection centre.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Calprotectin Stool Test Report?

Reports are usually available the same day by 5:00 PM once your sample reaches the lab.
Note: Reporting time and cost may vary based on your location.

Where Can I See or Get Calprotectin Stool Test Results?

You can view or download your test results through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Reports are also sent via email or WhatsApp, and you can collect a physical copy directly from the lab if you prefer.

Interpreting Calprotectin Stool Test Results

What Your Calprotectin Stool Test Results May Indicate
 

Understanding Abnormal Calprotectin Stool Test Results by Parameter
 

How Should You Prepare for a Calprotectin Stool Test?

Follow these steps to ensure your sample is suitable for accurate analysis:

• No fasting needed: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
• Morning sample preferred: Provide your first stool sample of the day for the most accurate results.
• Medication history: Inform your doctor about any recent antibiotic or anti-inflammatory medication use.
• Avoid contamination: Ensure the stool sample doesn’t mix with urine or water.
• Use the provided container: Collect approximately 100 mg of stool in the sterile, leak-proof container supplied.

How Is a Calprotectin Stool Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)

The Calprotectin Stool Test involves a simple collection process:

• Sample collection: Collect a small amount (around 100 mg) of stool in a leak-proof container using the provided scoop.
• Sealing and labelling: Secure the lid tightly and label the container with your name and details.
• Storage: Keep the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) if not submitting immediately.
• Submission: Deliver the sample to the nearest Metropolis Lab or arrange a home collection pickup.
• Analysis: The laboratory analyses your stool sample using chemiluminescence immunoassay (CLIA) technology to measure calprotectin levels.

Conditions That May Affect Calprotectin Stool Test Accuracy

Certain factors can influence your calprotectin results:

• Recent gastrointestinal infection: May cause temporary inflammation and elevated results.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs): Can increase stool calprotectin levels.
• Colorectal polyps or cancer: May elevate readings without active IBD.
• Sample contamination: Urine or water contact can affect result reliability.
• Improper storage: Delayed refrigeration or transport can degrade the sample.

Diseases That a Calprotectin Stool Test Can Help Detect

• Crohn’s disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
• Gastrointestinal infection or inflammation
• Colorectal polyps or colorectal cancer
• NSAID-induced enteropathy