Faecal Calprotectin

Calprotectin is a stable protein that accounts for about 60% of neutrophil cytosolic protein. Calprotectin is released into the faeces when neutrophils gather at the site of any G.I tract inflammation. Calprotectin can provide a non-invasive, inexpensive and objective method for assessing patients for additional possible invasive procedures e.g.Colonscopy or imaging studies. The faecal calprotectin test has a relatively high specificity and sensitivity (approximately 90%) for distinguishing between non-inflammatory bowel disorders (e.g. irritable bowel syndrome) and inflammatory bowel disease (e.g. ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease). Calprotectin will also be elevated in some cases of GI tract malignancy (e.g. colorectal cancer). Calprotectin is regularly raised in active IBD. Faecal calprotectin concentrations relate well to disease activity in the inflammatory bowel diseases and can therefore be used to monitor therapy. There is good correlation between faecal calprotectin concentration and the gold standard for inflammation ^111^Indium white cell labelling techniques. Calprotectin is a very stable protein and stool samples can be sent by post for analysis. The test is non-invasive and can be used on adults and children; the same reference range appears to apply to both.