Calprotectin (faecal)

Test Alias / Common Abbreviations

 

FCAL, FCP

 

Department

 

Biochemistry 

County Hospital, Leighton Hospital 




Pre-analytical information  

 

Add-on requests: Not accepted
Minimum Retest Interval: 6 months (unless previous result 100-250 ug/g or Gastroenterology request)

 

 

Sample  Collection instructions:

 

A stool sample should be collected using a Calex collection device. The collection kit includes detailed instructions on how to do this or can be accessed here.

 

Sample Transport & Stability Information:

 

Samples should be sent to the laboratory on the same day as collection to ensure sample integrity is maintained.  If a delay in receipt of the sample is anticipated, please contact the laboratory to discuss storage requirements.
Stable in Calex device for 7 days at room temperature or 4-8oC. 

For generic information on test requesting, sample labelling and packaging, and sample transport – see the frequently asked questions here.

 

Sample Type, Container & Volume

Stool sample in Calex collection device

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Turnaround Time

Based on receipt at testing site.
Within 7 days

 

 

 

 

 

<100 ug/g

Normal result, no evidence of active bowel inflammation. IBD highly unlikely, advise Primary Care IBS management.

100-250 ug/g

Equivocal/mildly raised. This could be due to IBD but other causes of bowel inflammation should be considered. If using to aid IBD diagnosis repeat test in 2-4 weeks. Refer non-urgently to Gastroenterology if repeat result >100 ug/g.

>250 ug/g

Consistent with active bowel inflammation, refer urgently to Gastroenterology.

Results outside the reference range do not necessarily indicate disease. Similarly, results within the reference range do not preclude abnormality. Please contact the Duty Biochemist for discussion of individual patient results.

To differentiate suspected irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) from inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in patients with diarrhoea predominant symptoms >4 weeks without red-flag symptoms. Normal calprotectin result has high negative predictive value for IBD and excludes requirement for colonoscopy.


Monitoring disease activity in known IBD patients under care of Gastroenterology.

Faecal calprotectin is a sensitive but non-specific marker of bowel inflammation and any inflammatory source will give a raised result, including:

•    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – advise withdraw for 4 weeks prior.
•    Infectious diarrhoea – exclude with stool culture prior to calprotectin testing.
•    Other bowel disease including malignancy, coeliac disease and diverticulitis.


There are a number of non-pathological factors that can influence levels of specific analytes, giving falsely elevated or reduced levels. If you require more information regarding the effects of these factors on the individual test results, please contact the Duty Biochemist.

 

For more information, please see the following: https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/calprotectin

NMCPS Primary Care guidance for faecal calprotectin.

Reviewed / Updated On: 16/12/2025