Calprotectin

The fecal calprotectin test is a diagnostic method used to measure the concentration of calprotectin in a stool sample. IntroLab Belgrade offers this test as part of its range of stool analyses at a very affordable price. Calprotectin is a protein released during inflammatory processes in the intestines. This test is crucial for detecting inflammation in the small intestine and differentiating between inflammatory bowel diseases and non-inflammatory conditions.

What is Calprotectin?

Calprotectin is a key component of the cytoplasm in polymorphonuclear granulocytes, named for its ability to bind calcium and zinc. This protein has a regulatory role in inflammatory processes and possesses antimicrobial and antiproliferative properties. It is also a reliable biomarker for evaluating the activity of inflammatory bowel diseases.

The stool calprotectin test is used to distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, and irritable bowel syndrome. High levels of calprotectin indicate inflammation in the digestive tract, while low levels suggest either no inflammation or only mild inflammation.

Result interpretation

A fecal calprotectin test showing low levels of this protein in the stool sample suggests the absence of signs and symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease. However, it is important to note that low calprotectin levels may be seen in patients with reduced white blood cell production (granulocytopenia) due to bone marrow suppression.

High levels of calprotectin indicate the presence of intestinal inflammation but do not specify the exact cause or location of the inflammation. In addition to inflammatory bowel diseases, elevated levels can also occur in bacterial and parasitic infections, colorectal cancer, in patients using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and proton pump inhibitors, as well as in cases of colitis and celiac disease.