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Fecal calprotectin is a protein found in white blood cells that can be measured in stool samples to help detect inflammation in the intestines. This laboratory test has become an important tool for diagnosing and monitoring inflammatory bowel diseases, particularly Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis. When there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract, white blood cells migrate to the affected area and release calprotectin, which then appears in the stool at elevated levels.

The fecal calprotectin test is a non-invasive alternative to more uncomfortable procedures like colonoscopy for initial screening and ongoing monitoring of intestinal inflammation. Patients simply provide a small stool sample that is sent to the laboratory for analysis. Normal calprotectin levels are generally below 50 micrograms per gram of stool, though reference ranges may vary slightly between laboratories. Elevated levels suggest active inflammation in the intestines, while normal levels can help rule out inflammatory bowel disease and point toward other conditions like irritable bowel syndrome, which does not cause intestinal inflammation.

Healthcare providers use this test for several purposes. It helps distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases and functional disorders that have similar symptoms but different causes. The test is also valuable for monitoring disease activity in patients already diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease, helping doctors determine if treatment is working effectively. Additionally, it can predict disease flares before symptoms become severe, allowing for earlier intervention. Repeat testing over time provides information about whether inflammation is improving, stable, or worsening.

Several factors can influence test results. Recent use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or aspirin can temporarily raise calprotectin levels. Gastrointestinal infections, polyps, and certain cancers can also cause elevated readings. Very young children naturally have higher calprotectin levels than adults. For the most accurate results, patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications they are taking and any recent illnesses. While an elevated result indicates inflammation, it does not specify the exact cause, so additional testing may be needed to establish a definitive diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.