A fecal calprotectin test is a way of checking for certain gastrointestinal diseases. A healthcare provider tests a sample of your poop for levels of a protein called calprotectin. This protein is a sign of inflammation. If you have high levels of it in your poop, it suggests you have inflammation in your intestines.
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A fecal calprotectin test is a stool test that measures levels of a protein called calprotectin in your poop. Calprotectin is a sign of inflammation inside your intestines. If your stool calprotectin levels are high, it could mean you have an inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.
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Your healthcare provider might suggest this test if you have ongoing symptoms, like stomach pain and diarrhea, and they don’t know why. Many short-term things can cause these symptoms. But the list of long-term causes is smaller. Testing for inflammation can help suggest or rule out certain causes.
This test is simple and noninvasive. So, it works well as a screening test for inflammation. In some cases, it may even help you avoid a colonoscopy. If it turns out you do have an inflammatory bowel disease, your provider may use this same test to make sure your treatment is working as it should be.
You’ll provide a small stool sample. A lab will test it for calprotectin and measure how much is in your poop. The higher the level, the more inflammation you likely have. Calprotectin is made by immune cells during inflammation. When it’s inside your intestines, it leaves your body through your poop.
Tell your provider about any medications or supplements you take. Some drugs — like NSAIDs or PPIs — can affect your test results. Your provider might ask you to stop certain medications before the test.
You’ll collect your own stool sample using a kit from your provider. The kit includes instructions, materials to help you collect your sample and a container to put it in. It’s important to collect the sample before it reaches the toilet, so it doesn’t mix with anything. You’ll mail or return it as soon as possible.
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This test is safe and easy. There are no side effects. It’s more accurate than a blood test and may help you avoid a colonoscopy. But it doesn’t give a final diagnosis. So, you might need more testing after it.
Results usually take a few days, depending on the lab. You’ll get the results from your provider or directly from the lab. Your provider will explain what the results mean and what comes next.
Calprotectin is measured in micrograms (mcg) of calprotectin per milligram (mg) of stool. Your report will show a number and say if it’s normal, moderately high or very high. Normal ranges vary by age.
Very high fecal calprotectin levels suggest inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), especially ulcerative colitis and Crohn’s disease. Food poisoning can also cause very high levels. But it usually goes away quickly.
Moderately high levels could be a sign of:
Normal levels mean it’s probably not inflammation that’s causing your symptoms. It could suggest irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). IBS causes similar symptoms to IBD, but without inflammation.
Your provider will decide if you need more tests. If your levels are high, you might need a colonoscopy or biopsy to find the exact cause. If your levels are normal, they may diagnose IBS based on your symptoms. If you have IBD, your provider might repeat this test over time to see if your treatment is working.
Talk to your provider if you’ve had digestive symptoms for more than a few weeks. These include:
If you’re in treatment for inflammatory bowel disease and you feel like your symptoms are starting to come back, you may be able to use this test to predict a flare-up. Ask your provider about another test.
A stool calprotectin test is a simple and noninvasive way to check for inflammation in your bowels. It’s especially useful for suggesting inflammatory bowel disease — or for ruling it out, suggesting irritable bowel syndrome. It may not give a final answer, but it can point you and your provider in the right direction.
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Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
Cleveland Clinic’s health articles are based on evidence-backed information and review by medical professionals to ensure accuracy, reliability and up-to-date clinical standards.
If you have issues with your digestive system, you need a team of experts you can trust. Our gastroenterology specialists at Cleveland Clinic can help.
