Calprotectin
 (Biochemistry)
Investigation : Calprotectin
Specimen type : Faeces
Spec container : Universal Container 
Turnaround : <7 days

Samples can be sent by outside laboratories by first class post. If specimen arrives on a Friday, store at -20oC and send on Monday.

Faecal Calprotectin Interpretation:

Primary Care:

Calprotectin <100µg/g: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) very unlikely

Calprotectin >100 but <250µg/g: IBD unlikely. Recommend repeat in 4 weeks then refer routinely if persistently abnormal

Calprotectin >250µg/g: IBD possible, suggest urgent referral if symptoms suggest IBD.

Faecal Calprotectin should not be used in the following situations:

  • Patients >50 years - a normal result cannot exclude cancer and there are many causes of false positive results
  • Rectal bleeding without diarrhoea
  • As a tool for identifying colonic polyps or colorectal cancer
  • Faecal calprotectin is not specific for IBD and can also be increased in other gut pathologies, particularly diverticular disease and NSAID use.

    Relevant National Guidance

    BSG recommendations on faecal calprotectin testing
    https://www.bsg.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/BSG-guidance-on-the-use-of-faecal-calprotectin-testing-in-IBD.docx .

    York Pathway
    https://www.nice.org.uk/sharedlearning/evaluation-of-guidelines-for-the-use-of-faecal-calprotectin-testing-in-primary-care.


    Additional information on faecal calprotectin and its clinical use can be found here: calprotectin.



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