Calprotectin

Faecal Calprotectin Test | London Blood Tests

Check gut inflammation with our Faecal Calprotectin test for £99. Accurate UKAS-accredited analysis to help distinguish IBS from IBD, optional GP review.

The Faecal Calprotectin Test measures calprotectin levels in stool to detect intestinal inflammation. Priced at £99, it is analysed in a UKAS-accredited laboratory, with results typically available within 3–5 business days and an optional GP consultation to interpret findings.

What is a Faecal Calprotectin Test?

Calprotectin is a protein released by white blood cells (neutrophils) during inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract. When inflammation is present in the intestines, calprotectin is shed into the stool, making it a reliable non-invasive marker of gut inflammation.

The Faecal Calprotectin Test is widely used to help differentiate inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)—such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis—from functional bowel conditions like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), which do not cause inflammation.

Because calprotectin levels correlate with the degree of intestinal inflammation, this test is also valuable for monitoring disease activity, assessing treatment response, and deciding whether invasive procedures (e.g., colonoscopy) are necessary.

Benefits of the Faecal Calprotectin Test

1. Distinguishes IBS from IBD
   Normal calprotectin levels strongly suggest non-inflammatory conditions such as IBS, reducing unnecessary investigations.

2. Detects Active Intestinal Inflammation
   Elevated levels indicate inflammatory activity in the bowel, prompting timely specialist assessment.

3. Non-Invasive Alternative to Colonoscopy
   Provides critical information without invasive procedures, especially useful as a first-line test.

4. Monitors IBD Activity Over Time
   Helps track flare-ups and remission in Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.

5. Guides Treatment Decisions
   Rising or falling levels help clinicians adjust anti-inflammatory therapy appropriately.

6. Useful in Post-Treatment Follow-Up
   Assesses response after starting or changing medication.

7. Optional GP Consultation for Interpretation
   Results can be reviewed with a GP to decide whether further testing or referral is required.

Why Do I Need a Faecal Calprotectin Test?

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Chronic or recurrent diarrhoea

• Abdominal pain or cramping

• Bloating or unexplained bowel habit changes

• Blood or mucus in stool

• Unintentional weight loss

• Suspected IBS vs IBD

• Known IBD requiring monitoring

Calprotectin testing is especially useful when symptoms are persistent and the cause is unclear.

How the Test Works

At-Home Stool Collection (Standard Method)

1. Order Your Test

   • Order online with no referral required.

   • Receive a home stool collection kit with full instructions.

2. Sample Collection

   • Collect a small stool sample using the provided device.

   • No fasting or dietary changes are usually required.

3. Sample Preparation

   • Secure the sample in the supplied container.

4. Return the Sample

   • Send the sample back using prepaid packaging.

5. Laboratory Analysis

   • Calprotectin is measured using validated immunoassay techniques.

6. Quality Control

   • Results undergo strict internal laboratory checks.

7. Results Delivery

   • Results are typically available within 3–5 business days.

8. Optional GP Consultation

   • Discuss results and next steps with a GP if required.

Your Faecal Calprotectin Results – Explained

Calprotectin levels are reported in micrograms per gram (µg/g) of stool.

Typical UK Reference Ranges

• Normal: < 50 µg/g

• Borderline: 50–150 µg/g

• High: > 150 µg/g

Interpretation

• Normal Levels
  Suggest no significant intestinal inflammation; IBS is more likely.

• Borderline Levels
  May indicate mild inflammation or recent infection; repeat testing may be advised.

• High Levels
  Strongly suggest active intestinal inflammation and may warrant further investigation.

Results should always be interpreted alongside symptoms, medication use (e.g. NSAIDs), and clinical history.