Calprotectin, Fecal
Label Mnemonic: CALPRO
Epic code: LAB8274
Downtime form: A-1a Doctor/Provider Orders - Pathology Core and Specialty Care Nursery
Commercial Mailout Laboratory
6240-8 RCP
356-8593
Specimen(s):
Random Stool
Collection Medium:
Stool Specimen Collection Container With Plastic Lid (Hospital Stores #924373)
Minimum:
Preferred Minimum: Collect 5 g stool to an unpreserved stool transport collection container.

Absolute Minimum: 1 g stool
Rejection Criteria:
Specimens in media or preservatives.
Turn Around Time:
1-3 days upon receipt at reference laboratory
Reference Range:
49 μg/g or less: Normal

50-120 μg/g: Borderline elevated, test should be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks.

121 μg/g or greater: Elevated
Interpretive Data:
Fecal Calprotectin is an indicator of the presence of neutrophils in stool and is not specific for IBD. Other intestinal ailments including GI infections and colorectal cancer can result in elevated concentrations of calprotectin. The diagnosis of IBD cannot be established solely on the basis of a positive calprotectin result. Patients with IBD fluctuate between active and inactive stages of disease. Calprotectin results may also fluctuate.
Comments:
This test may be used to differentiate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and other functional disorders of the intestinal tract; may also be used for monitoring IBD activity.

Fecal Calprotectin is an indicator of the presence of neutrophils in stool and is not specific for IBD. Other intestinal ailments including GI infections and colorectal cancer can result in elevated concentrations of calprotectin. The diagnosis of IBD cannot be established solely on the basis of a positive calprotectin result. Patients with IBD fluctuate between active and inactive stages of disease. Calprotectin results may also fluctuate. GI bleeding of as much as 100 mL per day will increase the fecal calprotectin concentration by only 15 μg/g.
Methodology:
Quantitative Chemiluminescent Immunoassay
CPT Code:
83993