Faecal Calprotectin

Immunology

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Description

Calprotectin (MRP 8/14) is a calcium binding protein secreted predominantly by neutrophils and monocytes and is a marker for neoplastic and inflammatory gastrointestinal disease [1]. The Faecal Calprotectin test assay can aid in identifying patients who are most likely to have inflammatory bowel conditions and will require a referral for further investigations such as endoscopy [2,3]. NICE Diagnostic Guideline 11 (DG11: Faecal calprotectin diagnostic tests for inflammatory diseases of the bowel) recommend that faecal calprotectin testing is used to help distinguish between inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis and non-inflammatory bowel diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) [2,3,4]. It is anticipated that this assay will reduce the number of unnecessary endoscopy examinations in patients who have IBS [2].

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Indications

Neoplastic and inflammatory gastrointestinal diseases. Can be used to aid in differentiating between irritable bowel syndrome and chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

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Sample Type

Fresh faecal sample. Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

>50 mg/kg is regarded as positive for inflammatory bowel disease.Reference range established by manufacturer and verified in house.

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Turnaround Time

Within 5 days

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Testing Frequency

Weekly

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References

Paduchova Z and Durackova Z. Fecal calprotectn as a promising marker of inflammatory diseases. Bratisl Lek Listy. 2009. 110(10); 598-602. [Ref 1].NICE Diagnostic Guideline 11 (DG11: Faecal calprotectin diagnostic tests for inflammatory diseases of the bowel). 2013. [Ref 2].D'Haens G, et al. Fecal calprotectin is a surrogate marker for endoscopic lesions in inflammatory bowel disease. Inflamm Bowel Dis. 2012. 18(12); 2218-2224. [Ref 3].Van Rheenen PF, Van de Vijver E and Fidler V. Faecal calprotectin for screening of patients with suspected inflammatory bowel disease: diagnostic meta-analysis. BMJ. 2010. 341; c3369. [Ref 4].

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.