ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Calprotectin, Fecal : 0092303
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Additional Technical Information
  


Mnemonic: CALPRO

Ordering Recommendation: 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.
Methodology: Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Mon-Sat
Reported: 1-3 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Stool.

Specimen Preparation: Transfer 5 g stool to an unpreserved stool transport vial (ARUP Supply #40910). Available online through eSupply using ARUP Connect™ or contact ARUP Client Services at (800) 522-2787. (Min: 1 g)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Specimens in media or preservatives.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 5 days; Refrigerated: 5 days; Frozen: 1 year

Reference Interval:
50 µg/g or less: Normal
51-120 µg/g: Borderline elevated, test should be re-evaluated in 4-6 weeks.
121 µg/g or greater: Abnormal, suggestive of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD).
Note: 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.
CPT Code(s): 83993