Calprotectin, Fecal
Use
An in vitro diagnostic to aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), Crohn's disease, and ulcerative colitis, and to differentiate IBD from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory findings.
Special Instructions
Turnaround times may vary based on testing schedules and additional confirmatory or reflex tests. Ensure proper collection and handling of specimens to avoid contamination. Loose stools are acceptable, but do not overfill the container. The preferred shipping temperature is frozen.
Limitations
False-negative results may occur in patients with granulocytopenia due to bone marrow depression. Patients taking NSAIDs, those with untreated celiac disease, or those using proton pump inhibitors may show elevated calprotectin levels. Elevated levels might also result from gastrointestinal infections, colorectal cancer, colitis, diverticular disease, and in patients with active inflammatory stages of IBD. Thus, calprotectin results need careful interpretation alongside other clinical data. This indicator is not specific for IBD alone.
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 38445-3
- 38445-3
Result Turnaround Time
4-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Stool
Volume
1 g
Minimum Volume
0.5 g
Container
Clean screw-capped plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Do not contaminate outside of container; do not overfill container. Loose stools are acceptable. Preferred shipping temperature is frozen.
Storage Instructions
Freeze.
Causes for Rejection
Refrigerated or thawed specimens received more than 72 hours (3 days) after collection will be rejected; serum or plasma received; stool contaminated with urine; samples taken from diapers unless portion taken has not been in contact with diaper material; preserved stool received
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 2 days |
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | 4 months |