Ordering the Calprotectin Stool Test Kit
Calprotectin Stool Test Kit helps check for inflammation in the digestive tract by measuring calprotectin, a protein released by white blood cells. This test is often used to help find out if symptoms like stomach pain, cramping, or changes in bowel habits are linked to conditions such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome. Interestingly, calprotectin levels can rise before symptoms of gut inflammation become obvious, making this test useful for early detection and monitoring changes over time.
Ordering this test can help you and your healthcare provider:
- Detect hidden inflammation in the intestines that may not show up on other tests
- Distinguish between irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel disease
- Monitor how well treatment for gut inflammation is working
- Reduce the need for more invasive procedures like colonoscopy
- Track changes in gut health over time for better management of chronic digestive issues
Who Should Consider Digestive Inflammation Testing
People who have ongoing stomach pain, bloating, or frequent diarrhea may benefit from this test. For example, someone who has been dealing with unpredictable stomach cramps and loose stools for several weeks, but has not found answers with basic blood work, may find this test helpful in finding the cause.
Ordering this test may also be helpful in these situations:
- Someone with a family history of Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis who starts having new digestive symptoms
- People who have been diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome but are not improving with standard treatments
- Anyone with unexplained weight loss and ongoing changes in bowel habits
- Those who have had a recent flare-up of a known inflammatory bowel condition and want to check if inflammation is still present
- People who notice joint pain along with digestive symptoms, since gut inflammation can sometimes affect other parts of the body
This test can help pinpoint if gut inflammation is present, which can guide your doctor in choosing the right next steps or treatments. Delaying this test could mean missing early signs of inflammation, which may lead to more severe symptoms or the need for more invasive testing later on.
How to Prepare for Digestive Tract Inflammation Screening
Fasting is not needed for this test, so you can eat and drink as usual before collecting your sample. Always follow any instructions your doctor or healthcare provider gives you to make sure your sample is collected and handled correctly for the best results.
Labs Included When Ordering Your Calprotectin Stool Test Kit
| Test Name | Reference Range | What This Test Measures | Low and High Levels of Calprotectin |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calprotectin (Stool) | <50 | Calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells and is released into the stool when there is inflammation in the intestines. This test helps detect and monitor gut inflammation, which can be linked to conditions like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and other digestive tract problems. |
High levels mean there is likely inflammation in the digestive tract, which may be due to inflammatory bowel disease or infection.
Low levels mean there is little or no inflammation in the intestines, making it less likely that symptoms are caused by inflammatory bowel disease. |
Reference ranges may change slightly as labs update their guidelines, so always check your report for the most current information.
Calprotectin Stool Test Kit FAQ
Is there Calprotectin Stool Test Kit testing near me?
This is a home test kit, so you can collect your stool sample at home and send it to the lab using the included prepaid shipping label. For those dealing with ongoing gut symptoms, being able to collect your sample at home means you don’t have to travel or wait for an appointment, making it easier to get answers quickly.
How do I interpret the test results?
Your treating doctor should review your results, but you can also use our one-on-one test results review service with our clinical team for a detailed explanation and next steps.
What is the cost of the test?
The price you see includes standard shipping to your address and return shipping to the lab; draw fees may apply if needed. Ordering this test can help you find out if gut inflammation is causing your symptoms, which can help you get the right treatment sooner.
How often should I retest?
Retesting is usually recommended every 3-6 months if you have ongoing symptoms or are monitoring a known digestive condition. Regular testing helps track changes in gut inflammation and can show if your treatment is working as expected.
How accurate is the test?
This test uses an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to measure calprotectin in stool, with a specificity of 96% and sensitivity of 93%. TrueHealthLabs.com partners with CLIA-certified and CAP-certified laboratories to uphold rigorous testing standards for dependable results.
Important Notes
- Avoid use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatories for 2 days prior to taking the Calprotectin stool test.
- Some patients who are taking NSAIDs will have elevations in their fecal calprotectin levels.
- Results may not be clinically applicable to children younger than two years old, who have mildly increased calprotectin levels.
- Patients with IBD fluctuate between active (inflammatory) and inactive stages of the disease. Stages may influence calprotectin levels.
Medical Review Board
Reviewed by Jeff Donohue M.D. from Body Logic and Brady Hurst DC, CCCN. Written by True Health Lab’s team of editorial health contributors.
Disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
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