Description
Calprotectin is a protein released by a type of white blood cell called a neutrophil. When there is inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, neutrophils move to the area and release calprotectin, resulting in an increased amount released into the stool. This test measures the amount of calprotectin in the stool as a way to detect inflammation in the GI tract.
Intestinal inflammation is associated with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and with some bacterial GI infections, but it is not associated with many other disorders that affect bowel function and cause similar symptoms. Faecal calprotectin can be used to help distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory conditions.