Evaluation of patients suspected of having a gastrointestinal inflammatory process
Distinguishing inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), when used in conjunction with other diagnostic modalities, including endoscopy, histology, and imaging
Specimen Type
Stool
Specimen Requirements
Sterile Container
Specimen Collection / Processing Instructions
Collect a fresh random fecal specimen - no preservatives
Minimum Sample Volume
1 gm
Additional Processing Details
Frozen: preferred
Refrigerated: send immediately after collection
Refrigerated or thawed specimens received > 72 hours post-collection will be rejected
Separate specimens must be submitted when multiple tests are ordered. Specimen must be split prior to transport
Testing cannot be added on to a previously collected specimen
Stability
Frozen (preferred): 7 days
Refrigerated: 72 hours
Unacceptable Specimen Conditions
Specimens collected from diapers
Limitations
Elevations in fecal calprotectin are not diagnostic for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and normal fecal calprotectin concentrations do not exclude the possibility of IBD. Diagnosis of IBD should be based on clinical evaluation, endoscopy, histology, and imaging studies
Borderline results in fecal calprotectin may be observed in patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), aspirin, or proton-pump inhibitors
For borderline results, repeat testing in 4 to 6 weeks is suggested
Elevations in fecal calprotectin may be observed in other disease states associated with neutrophilic inflammation of the gastrointestinal system, including celiac disease, colorectal cancer, and gastrointestinal infections
Falsely decreased concentrations of fecal calprotectin may be observed in patients with neutropenia or granulocytopenia
Due to the lack of homogenous distribution of calprotectin in fecal material, variability in results may be seen when patients are monitored over time, particularly in samples with high calprotectin concentrations.
