Calprotectin

Faecal calprotectin is a byproduct of inflammation that is triggered by the immune system in the gut. When the gut’s defence system detects pathogens, it uses inflammation to attract immune cells to the digestive system. This can also happen in autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis, which are members of the inflammatory bowel disease group.

In early stages, gastrointestinal inflammation attracts neutrophils, immune cells that prevent harmful bacteria from invading the damaged tissue and causing an infection. Neutrophils do this by degranulation, a process in which they release antimicrobial substances, enzymes, and fibres that trap pathogens.

We have chosen the Functional laboratory NutriIPATH 

The calprotectin stool test that NutriPATH offers is used to detect inflammation in the intestines. Intestinal inflammation can be associated with bacterial infections and in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The calprotectin test may be used to distinguish between IBD and non-inflammatory disorders and to monitor IBD disease activity.

Testing for faecal calprotectin is a useful screening tool for identifying patients who are most likely to have an endoscopy for suspected inflammatory bowel disease.

The main diseases that cause an increased excretion of faecal calprotectin are infectious colitis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis and neoplasms (cancer). Essentially, an elevated calprotectin indicates that inflammation is likely present in the gastrointestinal tract.

The calprotectin stool test that NutriPATH offers is used to detect inflammation in the intestines. Intestinal inflammation can be associated with bacterial infections and in people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The calprotectin test may be used to distinguish between IBD and non-inflammatory disorders and to monitor IBD disease activity.

Faecal calprotectin test
The faecal calprotectin test requires the patient to collect a small stool sample. The sample is then analysed by a laboratory to identify the concentrations of calprotectin.

Common Conditions:
Bloody or watery diarrhoea
Abdominal cramps or pain
Fever
Weight loss
Rectal bleeding
Weakness
Diarrhoea
Bloating
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Inflammatory Bowel Disease – Crohn’s, Ulcerative colitis

References:

Gaya DR, Mackenzie JF (2002). Faecal calprotectin: a bright future for assessing disease activity in Crohn‘s disease. Q J Med 95: 557-558 2 Roseth AG et al (2004).

Normalization of faecal calprotectin:a predictor of mucosal healing in patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Scand J Gastroenterol 39: 1017-1020