Biochemistry

Preferred Sample Type

Calprotectin (faecal)

Suitable Specimen Types

Faeces

Calprotectin (faecal)

Specimen Volume

1 - 5g faeces

Specimen Transport

Usual to laboratory

Turnaround Time

7 working days

Sample Stability

Sample and extract can be stored at 4oC for one week

General Information

Calprotectin is a protein found in cells involved in inflammation. It is present in abundance in neutrophils. The concentration of calprotectin in faeces is increased in inflammatory bowel disease and has been shown to be a better marker of the disease activity (seen on tissue biopsy) than blood test markers of inflammation (e.g. white blood cell count, ESR and CRP). Its measurement is relatively cheap, non-invasive and it is stable in faeces at room temperature for several days.

The main diseases that cause an increased excretion of faecal calprotectin are Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and cancer.  Levels of faecal calprotectin are not raised in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).

 

Patient Preparation

Random faecal sample (any time of day, no dietary restrictions required) in a plain universal container and approximately 1 gram in weight.  Ideally stool should be formed and not contain mucous.

Notes

Calprotectin testing should follow the CCG guidelines.

Reference Range

<60 µg/g – Normal calprotectin. No evidence of GI inflammation - ?IBS
60-150 µg/g – Borderline raised calprotectin indicating mild inflammation. Stop any NSAIDs and repeat in 4 weeks
>150 µg/g – Raised calprotectin. This may indicate inflammatory bowel disease. Refer to gastroenterology

 

 

 

 

 

Specifications

  • EQA Status: NEQAS
  • EQAS Scheme: Yes

Link to Further Information

http://www.labtestsonline.org.uk/news/calprotectin100813/

Creation Date

Tuesday, 17 April 2012

Modification Date

Wednesday, 23 May 2018

General Information

General information about the website and its content

Read more

Location of Laboratories

Where the laboratories are located and information about the services offered at each laboratory

Read more

Copyright UHB Pathology 2018

Protection of Personal Information – Clinical Laboratory Services comply with the Trust Data Protection Policy and have procedures in place to allow the Directorate and it’s employees to comply with the Data Protection Act 1998 and associated best practice and guidance.

University Hospitals Birmingham medical laboratories at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Heartlands Hospital, Good Hope Hospital and Solihull Hospital are UKAS (United Kingdom Accreditation Service) accredited to the ISO 15189:2012 standard. For a list of accredited tests and other information please visit the UKAS website using the following link: https://www.ukas.com/find-an-organisation/

  • Molecular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8759
  • Biochemistry is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8910
  • Haematology and Transfusion is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8784
  • Clinical Microbiology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 8760
  • Cellular Pathology is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 10141
  • Musculoskeletal laboratory is a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No. 9897
  • Heartlands, Good Hope and Solihull Hospital pathology laboratories are a UKAS accredited medical laboratory No.8217.

Tests not appearing on the UKAS Schedule of Accreditation currently remain outside of our scope of accreditation. However, these tests have been validated to the same high standard as accredited tests and are performed by the same trained and competent staff.

For further test information, please visit the test database: http://qehbpathology.uk/test-database

For further information contact Louise Fallon, Quality Manager, 0121 371 5962